Imam Muhammad Shirazi - Aspects of the Political

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Aspects of the Political Theory of

Imam Muhammad Shirazi

By

Muhammad G. Ayub



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First published 1999.Second edition 2004.

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A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.



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Table of Contents

Table of Contents iii

Foreword v

Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Shirazi vii

Introduction

Freedom 2

The Fundamental Principle in Mankind is Freedom 2

From Liberty to Liberation 6

Living Manifestation 10 Freedom and Social Laws 13

Freedom and Oneness-of-Allah 16

Conclusion 18

Party Organisation

The Necessity of Organisation 20

Social Development 21

The Freedom of Groups 21

The Social Revolution 28

Non-Violence

1- The Islamic Legal evidence 35

2- The Infallible Tradition 36

3- Sound Thought 37

4- Experience 37

J ustice 43 1- The Foundation of the Islamic State. 43

2- Equal Opportunity 44

3- Ownership 44

4- Redistribution of Wealth 44

5- Criteria for the Ruler 45

I slamic Unity

The Idea 47



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Aspects and Fields 47

I. Unity of the Islamic Leadership 48

II. Unity of the Islamic Movement 48

III. Unity of the Islamic Movements 49IV. Unity of Muslims (Sunni and Shi'a) 50

V. Unity of the Shi'a Entity 52

Methods and Tools 52

The System of Consultation (Shura) 55

Council of Religious Authorities 55

Islamic Legislative 56

Transition of the Authority to Religious Scholars 57 How Do the Religious Scholars Come to Power? 57

Method of Election 58

The Final Picture 59

An Initial Conclusion 60

Evidence of Shura (Collective Leadership) and the Final Picture60

Elections and their Problems 62

Dilemma of the Majority Concept 64 Council of Religious Authority Faces Two Problems 65

Qualifications of the Muslim Ruler 66

Important Remarks 66

General Conclusion 67

A Quick Comparative Look 68



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Foreword

As a political activist, the author of this book was fascinated by GrandAyatollah Shirazi's views on politics and political parties, consultative

system of Government and society.

It could safely be said that Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Shirazi is uniqueamongst Muslim religious scholars and in particular religious authoritiesto produce an outstanding work on such issues in terms of quality andquantity. The thoughts and ideas expressed by Ayatollah Shirazi in theseworks prompted the author, Muhammad Ghaleb Ayub, to compose this

book to introduce the reader to those views. This book was originally published in Arabic some ten years ago. Needless to say the topic of

politics and government are one of many topics covered by AyatollahShirazi, and since the publication date of this book in Arabic, there have

been further developments and publications by Ayatollah Shirazi. At thetime of writing this foreword, the list of works by Ayatollah Shirazi hastopped staggering 1060 books and papers on many different subjects.Almost all of these titles are in Arabic, a few in Farsi, and only a fewtitles of this long list have been translated to English, as well as other languages. An outline of Ayatollah Shirazi's work and biography is

presented in the following two pages.

The original book in Arabic has been translated to English by an unknowntranslator. The review process of this book has not been easy. This is

because in checking the quotes and references given in the book, I wasfaced with the task of going through Ayatollah Shirazi's work in this field.

To do justice to the reader and to Ayatollah Shirazi, in order to consider further works published, I felt that another such study must be carried out.This however, would require a team of researchers to go through the greatmass of Ayatollah Shirazi's work. I must confess that I was taken aback

by both the enormous amount and the detailed nature of AyatollahShirazi's work; not only in the field of politics and associated fields but inmany other domains too.

Finally, I would like to add that it was a great pleasure to have had theopportunity to be introduced to the works and thoughts of such anoutstanding and uniquely eminent personality of Islam.

Dr Z. Olyabek 1

stNovember 1999



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Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Shirazi

Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Shirazi is the religious authority, Marje’ , tomillions of Muslims around the globe. A charismatic leader who is knownfor his high moral values, modesty and spirituality, he is a mentor and a

source of aspiration to the millions; and the means of access to authenticknowledge and teachings of Islam. He has made extensive contributionsin various fields of learning ranging from Jurisprudence and Theology toPolitics, Economics, Law and Sociology.

Muhammad Shirazi was born in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, in 1347 AH(Muslim calendar), 1927 AD. He belongs to a distinguished family deeplyrooted in Islamic sciences, literature and virtue. The Shirazi family has

produced many great scholars and Marje’ s (a Marje’ is the highestreligious authority) as well as renowned leaders. Two of the best-known

leaders are Grand Ayatollah Mirza Hassan Shirazi, leader of theconstitutional “tobacco” movement in Iran and Grand AyatollahMuhammad Taqi Shirazi, leader of the 1920 revolution in Iraq, whichliberated Iraq from colonial powers. The author’s father, the late GrandAyatollah Mahdi Shirazi, has been a famous and a highly respectedscholar and the Marje’ of his time. He is a descendant of the holy prophetMuhammad peace be upon him.

Along with his father, the author settled in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq,at the age of nine. After primary education, the young Shirazi continued

his studies in different branches of learning under his father’s guidance as



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well as those of various other eminent scholars and specialists. In thecourse of his training he showed a remarkable talent and appetite for learning as well as a tireless commitment to his work and the cause he

believed in. His extraordinary ability, and effort, earned him the

recognition, by his father and other Marje’ s and scholars, of being aMujtahid; a qualified religious scholar in the sciences of Islamic

jurisprudence and law. He subsequently was able to assume the office of the Marje’ at the early age of 33 in 1960. His followers are found in manycountries around the globe.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi is distinguished for his intellectual ability andholistic vision. He is recognised for his clear ideas and realistic solutionsto issues of concern to mankind. He has written various specialisedstudies that are considered to be among the most important references in

the Islamic sciences of beliefs or doctrine, ethics, politics, economics,sociology, law, human rights, etc. He has enriched the world with hisstaggering contribution of some 980 books, treatise and studies on various

branches of learning. His works range from simple introductory books for the young generations to literary and scientific masterpieces. Deeplyrooted in the holy Qur’an and the Teachings of the Prophet of Islam, hisvision and theories cover areas such as Politics, Economics, Government,Management, Sociology, Theology, Philosophy, History and Islamic Law.His work on Islamic Jurisprudence (al-Fiqh series) for example

constitutes 150 volumes, which run into more than 55,000 pages. Throughhis original thoughts and ideas he has championed the causes of issuessuch as the family, human right, freedom of expression, political

pluralism, non-violence, and Shura or consultative system of leadership.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi believes in the fundamental and elementarynature of freedom in mankind. He calls for freedom of expression,

political plurality, debate and discussion, tolerance and forgiveness. Hestrongly believes in the consultative system of leadership and calls for theestablishment of the leadership council of religious authorities. He calls

for the establishment of the universal Islamic government to encompassall the Muslim countries. These and other ideas are discussed in detail inhis books.

As a leader of the worldwide Muslim community, Grand AyatollahShirazi has always opposed despotism. In 1971 he was exiled to Lebanon

by the Ba’thist regime of Iraq. He later stayed in Kuwait until 1979 whenhe migrated to the holy city of Qum, Iran.

Ayatollah Shirazi has established many Islamic centres, medical and

financial institutions, educational, welfare and social foundations,



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libraries and Hawzah’s, or universities for Islamic Sciences, in differentregions of the world. These institutions are found in Australia, India,Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Syria, Britain,Denmark, Sweden, Canada and USA.

Hundreds of individuals have graduated from his school as scholars,lecturers, authors and researchers.

www.alshirazi.com

www.shirazi.org.uk



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Introduction

An original thinker is one who enjoys a number of characteristics, themost important of which are;

• Possession of a cosmic and general vision of existence,

• Realistic treatment of life in the light of the ideology adopted,

• Presentation of the view on the basis of reason.

Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Shirazi is one such thinker who is in possession of all three dimensions. This may be due to a personal talent, but there is no doubt that it is a gift from Islam, which he embraces,advocates and defends.

Islam is the cosmic, universal, realistic religion that bases its evidenceon reason. It is only natural that such important qualities leave their impact on the thoughts, ideas and behaviour of every believer in thisreligion. Anyone who reads Shirazi’s works would come to thisconclusion. Shirazi talks of life and its problems in the language of theideological theorist, not that of a poet or a reformist, nor that of a passer-

by. He distances himself from the dialectic and adopts a style of debate.

He always stresses that his main objective is to involve the reader in thetopic he is writing on.

His writings are distinct for the great detail of evidence and successive proofs he offers, even when discussing the simplest of issues, whether intheir defence or against them. Shirazi’s researches and studies are aimedat reshaping man and history, boldly and confidently, in the light of whathe has adopted.

It is worth mentioning here that, in his thoughts, Ayatollah Shirazialways places concerns of life as his top priority. That is why hiswritings on jurisprudence, freedom, economics, sociology, politics andconstitution are more in quantity and deeper in content and quality thanwith other issues. That is how we can explain the practical and realisticdimension of Shirazi’s thought and concern.

It is hoped that this book will provide the reader with some ideas aboutthe main dimensions of Shirazi’s thoughts and visions.



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Freedom

The Fundamental Principle in Mankind is Freedom

Every theory must have a strong foundation to stand on, be it anideological interpretation of things, or a scientific explanation of cosmicor social and psychological happenings. Such a foundation is the starting

point for the researcher or the ideologist, which forms the basis for himto create and develop his vision.

There can be no doubt that such strong foundation would reflect positively on the ideas emanating from and based on it. It is the samekind of relation we always find between the root and the branch; thefoundation and the edifice, even between cause and effect - to use

philosophical terminology.

There is no doubt, either, that the critical process in its constructive andde-constructive forms is related to and dependent on, from the very

beginning and both in the planning and execution stages, the test that thefoundation is subjected to, and on the testing of the foundations against

the values of analytical and values based intellect. The choice of the basis on which a theory is established is the logical and practicalstanding point in the process of analysing the theory or studying it.

Critics of Marxism have got used to addressing their criticism of thisschool by analysing the foundation, i.e. the idea of anti-thesis. Why?Because it is the spirit that reverberates throughout all the constituentsof Marxist ideology, and in every aspect of that ideology; be itconcerned with the explanation of the cosmos or the analysis of the

historical march of the human society throughout its long history, or with social education which this ideology holds as the final solution of all human problems.

It is usual for critics of metaphysical theories to direct their strongestattacks against the principle of causality, as it is the basis of allmetaphysical thought when presenting a holistic picture of existence, itsorigin, its motion and its direction.

We have made this introduction, long as it is, in order to say that

Ayatollah Shirazi has a theoretical attitude towards freedom.



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He discusses this civilised value as a person who believes in andinteracts with it; he sometimes defines it as if he were deeply in lovewith it. On occasions, he pursues it seeking its spiritually reviving touch;

yet in the end Ayatollah Shirazi is none but a committed ideologist witha vision that is total and integral.

Before stating the details of his vision we may ask what is the basis of Shirazi’s theoretical concept of freedom? In a word it is“fundamentalism”. It is the innate originality of freedom. Mankind iscreated and moulded to be free. Freedom is not something that can begiven or gained; it is simply a necessity.

Shirazi: “The Fundamental Principle in Mankind is Freedom”1.

Thus we see in this statement the beginnings of an institution, a puretheoretical basis, and an abstraction, whose advocate puts forward histheory of freedom. He gives examples from real life, physical andtangible presence. He deals with the questions, philosophically, yet inthe language of the truthful which clarifies the real meaning. In hisdetailed commentary of Sabzawari's long epic poem, Ayatollah Shirazistates:

“The articulate self is an active being willingly and by inspiration: Ituses its powers and creates images deep inside its existence. The self,therefore, imagines, incline towards - or away from - things, and

contemplates and meditates.”2 To that he adds, “.. By stating that theself is a premeditating agent, this is so because man moves according to

knowledge, will and intention...” 3.

The word ‘moves’ used above is to express day-to-day life experience in

a broad sense, yet man may be forced to do certain things! Man mayeven do something as an expression of a natural, innate instructs!

To these two problematic questions Shirazi answers as follows:

1 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 101, Politics, p 63

2 M. Shirazi, “Commentary on Sabzewari”, page 308

3 ibid.. p 310



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“Every doer - even instinctively - entails a purpose, an aim...” 4. Even astone, when it falls from above, does so. Consequently, “the use of forceis not an on-going phenomenon, nor is it frequent. In fact compulsion isa rarity and should never be a pretext to negate the above-mentioned

totality”5. I.e., free action and free acts, and, consequently, free lifeemanating from the innate originality of freedom, even if we wereflexible on the issue of a purpose “and its relation to acts, even forced

ones” 6.

In accordance with the above, mankind is free; his freedom emanatesfrom the self, from within, from the depth of his innate self.

Yet, what basis does Shirazi have, on which he builds this foundation?

As a matter of fact, conscience does confirm man's freedom. This is themethod Islamic philosophers use to prove and confirm the originality of freedom in this, most revered being. Yet, because Shirazi is an Islamictheoretician defending a precise and definite viewpoint, he falls back onthe Qur'an and the Prophet’s tradition (Sunnah) when seeking proof of this innate originality. That is why he included one whole chapter titled

“Clauses on Freedom” 7 in one of his books, in order to discuss andexplain that originality.

Some of these clauses are:

1. “Never be someone else's slave, whereas Allah has made you Free.”

2. “People are all free.”

Both statements are by Ali 8 peace be upon him. The first statementembodies the fundamental aspect of freedom, perfectly and uniquely

skilfully because it means:

4 ibid.. p 311

5 ibid.. p 311

6 ibid. p 20

7 M. Shirazi, “The New Order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace”, p31

8 Ali ibn Abi-Talib, the cousin and the son-in-law of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon them.



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• Freedom is a fundamental right and innate to mankind,

• Freedom is not an external addendum but a divine creation.

This cosmic freedom is what mankind is born with. But this innate andessentially deep-rooted freedom in man is not a mere capability tochoose from a number of options or alternatives.

In most of the western literature freedom is projected as an abstractcapability. In fact, this capability has the highest priority on the list of this natural value of the human being.

Freedom, within the limits of available choice, reflects its first primitive

stage. This is what “comes to our minds when we imagine ourselvesfree” 9.

But there are higher and more sublime degrees of freedom, in the shapeof its movements and activities. There is what some researchers describeas ‘the freedom of subjective independence’ which means ‘actionsguided by thinking and calculation’ i.e. acting through a feeling of

responsibility, or responsible action 10. There is also ‘The freedom of perfection’, which advocates emancipation from all forms of personal

(or self-imposed) bounds and restrictions such as desires, instincts andignorance. Philosophers like Spinoza, Lenths and the Greek

philosophers have emphasised this type of freedom. 11

Last but not least, there is the ‘freedom of the Self’, which, in short,means the permanent awareness of the self or the personality of the

being. The French philosopher Bergson is foremost amongst thetheoreticians of this type of freedom.

All these definitions, derivations and subsidiaries, even if true, are infact none but a mere reflection of the fundamental and innate nature of freedom, and, thus, of its first order i.e. the abstract capability to choose.Were it not for this principle, the possibility of perfection and thecapability to perform calculated actions would be non-existent. These

9 Z. Ibrahim, “The problem of Freedom”, p 20

10 ibid. p 21

11 ibid.



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are only the consequences of freedom; they are not freedom in itsessence and principle.

In his theory of freedom, Shirazi defines all those forms as activities of

the human self.

Mankind is able to create mental ideas and images; and after the processof thinking and calculation he can act. He yearns for perfection becausehe is a purposeful creature.

‘Purpose’ is related to free-will antecedents, as much as to pastexperience of relatively precise and accurate depictions that varies fromone person to another. It is equally related to a choice that is both

contemplative and calculated. Shirazi states:

“Every doer - even doers by natural instinct - must entail a purpose or anaim. The man, who walks, seeks a purpose, i.e., meeting a friend etc.The cause of purposefulness has an entity, and an identity, which is thecause of the actions of the doer. Also, the very presence of a purpose isthe very object of the actions of the doer. Thus, the purpose is the cause

of the motion of a doer in the direction of the act.”12. A human being,therefore, acts and moves for a purpose, which means that purpose is the

cause of his motion, which, in turn, requires predetermined thought andcalculation, as well as self-awareness.

The type of freedom presented by western philosophic thought stemsfrom man's free exercise and practice. This exercise and practice doeshappen by direct action emanating from this creature. Any human beingcan classify this free exercise under several categories, yet that has noinfluence on the process of classifying or categorising freedom in itsessential meaning, i.e. its Islamic meaning, into kinds and types.

That is why the western effort in this respect is an addendum to clarify,rather than addition to the essence.

From Liberty to Liberation

12 M. Shirazi, “Commentary on Sabzewari”, page 312



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The discussion above, which has been detailed in full, centres onfreedom at the principle level, i.e. in its philosophical aspect related tothe human entity, that is whether man is free or not?

For there have emerged a number of theories proposed by humanthought to the effect that man is ‘destined’ or ‘forced’ to do every actionhe does, that he has no free will in the world of action or movement or even imagination. Such theories have had their ill effect on the history of mankind. They have led man, directly and indirectly, to submit andsurrender to oppression and tyranny. They have frozen and immobilisedhis spirit of movement and initiative.

Against those theories has stood firm the school of freedom which views

man as a contemplating, intellectual and an active energy.

We have presented the theory of Shirazi on this issue. We have seen thathe is one of the supporters of “freedom”, i.e. one of those who believethat man has the power to choose from the options and alternatives. He

believes that man is a purposeful being, acting according to a calculatedwill, well aware of a clear and defined objective.

It is quite clear that freedom in this sense is outside the bounds andscope of the discussion of any school of thought. Its qualities do not

belong to any particular school of thought. For it is Allah’s gift tomankind; it is not a gift of any particular school of thought so that it can

be studied on a basis of that thought13. Yet there is no doubt thatfreedom in this sense is inseparable from social freedom. That is, theissue that freedom is conferred upon man by a certain social school of thought in order to exercise life, and the battle to prove whether freedomis innate and original or not, are within the scope of pure philosophicalthought. While the struggle to provide the opportunities of life arewithin the scope of social thought. It seems that the issue that has

concerned mankind and the various nations, and which still reaps fear and panic in the hearts of people is the freedom in its practical andapplied dimension.

Freedom, which has been used as a pretext for bloodshed and violationof all individuals, and which has been used as an excuse to restrictfreedom itself, is none but social freedom. In the name of that freedom,and under its banner, rivers of blood were shed in Europe; the French

13 M.B. Sadr, “Our Economics”, volume 1, p 282.



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revolution is but an example. In the name of freedom people wereforbidden from expressing their very existence, thought and civilisation;the socialist bloc states after World War II are one example. In the nameof that freedom the class system was created, and so were its fatal

bounds which have ever since paralysed the will of the majority, and letloose the will of the elite minority in the capitalist states.

Political battles have been fought for social freedom but never for the belief in the freedom vis-à-vis predestination of man. History, however,is not totally devoid of such battles for that belief.

Despite all this, we cannot deny the relation between the principle basisof freedom - as an essential value in mankind and a basic constituent of

his very existence, and the practical nature of freedom. Yet we stress, atthe same time, the fact that battles for freedom throughout history haveembodied, first and foremost, social freedom. What value wouldindividuals have, even though freedom is fundamental, if continuedendeavours are made to block mankind's chances of honourable andhonest life?

And what value is there in all theorisations in defence of the originalityof human freedom, while it is being suppressed in real life?

That is why Lisson says, “Freedom is inseparable and an indivisible part

of the will to be free” 14.

And Marcelle is quoted to say:

“Existence, value and freedom are so inter-related that they can be saved

only together” 15.

The essence of all such ideas is the existence and confirmation of freedom as action, freedom as an event and freedom as a practical experience.

This issue is what some authors probably refer to within the context of the well-known slogan ( from liberty to liberation), or from liberties toliberation.

14 Z. Ibrahim, “The Problem of Freedom”, p 198

15 ibid.. p 199



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Liberation as a philosophy does not aim at proving that the human beingis free, rather, it endeavours to illustrate how man can be more liberated.

Here lies the problem or the riddle of mankind, regimes, history,religion, rulers and society.

In his discussions on freedom, Shirazi concentrates on this issue inremarkably great detail. On the practical side of freedom, he goes as far as to link the issues and facts related to freedom. Why? Is it to clarify amisunderstanding that no freedom exists in Islam? Is it a personal and

psychological yearning for work? Or is it a drive to discuss crucialissues of concern to mankind?

All these answers are possible, but not enough to cover that unusualinterest in social freedom, his main concern and mental obsession, whichhis pen deals with every so often.

Obviously, Shirazi goes into great detail when he talks of freedom, because it is an essential value in the doctrine or ideology which heembraces, namely Islam. Combined with this is his personal vitality asseen in the quantity of his writings and his relentless political activity.

In any case, Ayatollah Shirazi speaks of ‘social freedom’ as an essentialand prominent element of his political theory. There is no doubt that hisideological and social Islamic background has played a great part informing this tendency in him; his vitality and experience have playedanother role in this respect. Hence Shirazi's usually bitter talks ondictatorship. For, he who reads Shirazi's works on injustice, tyranny andoppression will feel the author’s pure spirit and emotions, andunderstand, instinctively, the extent to which he benefits from a liberated

spirituality.16

Now back to our main issue...

The move from liberties to liberation is the crux of the matter in the caseof freedom, and has ever been since man became aware of his existence.Through his theses, Shirazi emphasises the fact that such a move is oneof the main legislative adoptions of Islam.

16 M. Shirazi, “The Way to Muslim Revival”, pp 344-346



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To that effect he states that, “Given that mankind being free, Freedom isa fact; without chaos and without suppression - explicit or implicit - and

it does not exist but in the Islamic systems.” 17

Once this fundamental theory is established, Shirazi moves on to the practical details:

“In Islam (exists) doctrinal liberation, economic liberation, political

liberation, cultural (intellectual) liberation, and social liberation”.18

Such is the general picture...Freedom is a natural reality in mankind, a subjective reality. Liberationis the practical side of this freedom and Islam emphasises the

fundamental nature of freedom.

Islam approves of liberation.

Consequently, the theory develops into its general structural form.

Hence the well-known slogan: There is no freedom without liberation...There is no liberation without freedom.

Living Manifestation

We are still discussing the general outlines. Freedom is innate andfundamental to mankind. Liberation is the tangible material form of thisoriginality. But where does the evidence of freedom lie? More precisely:where do we find liberation?

To this very delicate and testing question, Shirazi answers by giving

practical evidence. He gives us a hundred examples of the freedomlegislated by Islam. Of these are “the freedom of worship, of selling, of

buying, of mortgage, of security, of invention, of giving bonds, of reconciliation, of insurance, of companies, of transaction, of agriculture,of water-irrigation, of land ownership, of deposits, of property leases, of renting and letting, of power of attorney, of giving, of giving alms, of giving gifts, of inhabiting, of building, of running races, of throwing

17 ibid. p 341

18 ibid.



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arrows, of making wills, of getting married, of getting divorced, of having divorce by mutual consent, of breast feeding, of travelling, of stay, of opening a shop, of putting rewards, of printing, of taking a

profession, of having education and culture, of making a pledge, of

making an oath, of dedication, of land reclamation, of agriculturalcultivation, of creating industries, of construction, of publishing acommercial newspaper, of owning a broadcasting station and T.V.station, of forming political parties, organisations and societies, of

establishing trade unions, of enjoying the freedom of belief, etc.”19

Some may be surprised at this long list of types of freedom, whichShirazi presents to us. But such astonishment is irrelevant, for manyreasons:

1. The list is a true and real expression of the totality of freedom in theIslamic system, and an embodiment of the unlimited Islamic attitudetowards exercising freedom on the widest scale possible. Incommunist countries, freedom has neither an existence nor a trace...Liberties existent in the so-called free world amount to a smallfraction of those granted by Islam. The ‘free world’ countries haveno freedom of letting, construction, industry, agriculture, commerceor ownership. Man has no freedom if he is tied by passports,

identity cards, nationality and the like.” 20

2. A great injustice is inflicted on Islamic law when it is accused of oppression, suppression, despotism and coercion. Indeed, it is the

body of laws that incorporates the greatest number of evidences of social freedom. By producing such a list, Shirazi provides thetangible proof of that, and equally strongly refutes the falseallegations and accusations against Islam.

In fact, this list of freedoms in Islam can be classified in the followinggeneral categories:

I. Intellectual and ideological freedomsII. Social freedomIII. Political freedomIV. Economic freedom

19 ibid.

20 ibid. pp 316-321



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But Ayatollah Shirazi re-asserts intellectual freedom far more than theothers. He believes that this freedom develops man and society, andmakes history. In particular, he emphasises one aspect of that freedom;

the freedom of expression. To emphasise its importance he submits four reasons.

Because freedom of writing reveals the weak and wrong sides of policies of a certain regime. It is the means to educate the nation on asound basis. Its absence means suppression which leads to explosions;and, finally, because freedom of expression is what deters rulers from

committing tyranny and warns them against dictatorship.” 21

Shirazi's highest score is his evaluation of the freedom of thought whenhe emphatically and boldly states that freedom of expression is notsubjected to any restrictions or limits. All the restrictions and limits suchfreedom may have or have not lie in the boundary of harm. That is tosay, limits here are of a passive or negative nature; when freedom takesthe form of looting, for example, it should be stopped. But who decideswhat “harm” justifies denying such freedom or suspending it? To thatShirazi answers as follows:“The useful and the harmful are matters of convention (or common

sense), like all conventional issues.” 22

This is a remarkable thought, combining freedom with convention. It is,(the combination) a practical method of solving a tricky obstacle,usually raised by advocates of absolute freedom, which is really nothing

but chaos.

In its practical forms, freedom is never divorced from the movement andactivities of life to which society is accustomed. Conventional values arein fact the conscience of a community, both doctrinal (ideological) andeducational, especially if emanating from an education approved byIslam. Clear conscience and standards of serious progress, and theharmful and the useful are all practical issues formulated in the shape of convention on the basis of samples of acceptable behaviour. In the lightof conventional values man's behaviour and actions are defined. Shirazigoes on to say that:

21 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 101, Politics pp 220-222

22 ibid. p 223



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“If controversy arises concerning the validity of a certain proof, theJudiciary are the final authority, and there is the final word of probity

and fairness.” 23

This is in fact another reference to the conscience of the community; for the Judiciary, especially in Islamic Law, embodies the spirit of thecommunity in as much as that community accepts its legislation, rulesstandards and values. Reference to Judicial authority is in fact areference and endorsement of an interpretation unanimously approved

by the will of the community. We are, thus, witnessing a process of modern interactive and enriching combination of freedom, conventionand legislation.

Shirazi’s concern in the freedom of expression is far greater than hisinterest in other freedoms because of the importance of that particular freedom in the formation of man, and in guiding the process of a good

political regime.

There is no doubt that intellectual freedom, or the freedom of expression, is a theoretical starting point for all other types of freedom.That is why despotic regimes fear intellectual freedom far more than anyother freedom. Through intellectual freedom, a society can march along

pioneering paths of life on all levels and in every aspect. Intellectualfreedom comes first.

We can say, therefore, that one of the basics of Shirazi's vision of freedom is the top priority of intellectual freedom. This is not because of any procedural or legal order of priority, but because of the innateimportance of the manifestation of freedom, and because allmanifestations of freedom are a coherent texture of values and rights.

Freedom and Social Laws

There is no doubt that a complicated relationship exists betweenfreedom and social laws. Some intellectuals are of the opinion that lawsare responsible for defining and limiting freedom; or, laws areresponsible for guiding and maintaining freedom. In fact it is not easy to

23 ibid.



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define such responsibilities and it is no secret that there are stark differences between ‘defining – limiting’ and ‘guiding – maintaining’.

Whatever the attitude towards such terms (definition-limit; guidance-

maintenance) may be, the common characteristics of all these remainsthe rule of law, in one form or another, over freedom.

The result of all that is that the law is the basis, the essence, whilefreedom is a secondary issue; the law is the framework that controlsfreedom.

Naturally, such an attitude contradicts and denies the sanctity andimportance of freedom in life, and denies the fact that freedom is the

basis or the essence. But does that mean ignoring the role of law?

The law is also a necessity. There is no longer an urgent need to provethe utmost importance of law to man, especially in developed andsophisticated societies. We have never been in circumstances that wouldmake it incumbent on us to prove the failure of the theory of chaos,which denies both the states and the law.

In this respect, Shirazi formulates an opinion, which is almost unique.He is a pioneering advocate of freedom; intellectual freedom in

particular, yet he states that it is the social law that ought to be within theframework of freedom and controlled by it.

Formulating laws according to and within the framework of freedom is a bold and revolutionary idea dealing with the depiction of therelationship between laws and freedom.

Laws do not rule freedom; it is freedom that rules laws. This is anattractive pioneering human thought.

Imam Shirazi is of the opinion that it is necessary “for the twoauthorities, the legislative and the executive, to emanate from human

freedom.” 24 Reversing the formula would better clarify the idea: Freedom is whatformulates the law; the law does not formulate freedom. Why? Shirazi

24 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 101, Politics p 24



15

gives more than one reason why this is so, but the most impor tant one is

that, “The fundamental principle in mankind is Freedom.” 25

It is on this basis that the relationship between freedom and social lawsis defined. Whenever most legislators want to present or form a law,they first think of a situation in which chaos or irresponsible freedomwould prevail. Laws, therefore, must be made to define or deny thefreedom of each and every individual. In Islam, however, it is freedomthat formulates the pictures of life and society. And naturally suchfreedom should be sensible and responsible.

Shirazi's theory follows a clear method, not a vague or ambiguous one.An important question is bound to arise in this concern: How do social

laws emanate from freedom?

Freedom, in this sense, is action, exercise or practice, and a real tangiblehappening. Shirazi believes that freedom in this respect is in the bestinterest of the community as embodied by Islam. The interest andwelfare of the nation is guaranteed in Islam, and it is Islam thatformulates life itself.

Indeed, if we reviewed the examples presented by Shirazi of the

manifestation of freedom in Islam, we easily discover this fact. Islamallows the enjoyment of life in its broadest meanings. Such allowance iswhat defines and limits:

• Everything is clean and pure for man unless otherwise proven,

• Everything is allowed unless otherwise proven,

• In principle, everything is allowed in Islam.

• No one may harm or be harmed in Islam,

• “And in Islam, too, ... There is cultural liberation: Every man has

the right to attain whatever knowledge and education he wishes toachieve. No obstacle, be it money or anything else, should prevent

him from going to university and beyond” 26

• “Social liberation or freedom is also part of Islam, where there areno class concessions, usually protected by laws discriminating

25 ibid. p 240

26 ibid.



16

between nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, languages, colours and

regional affiliations” 27

A comprehensive and deep reading into these statements and their wording, be it in the starting points, the consequences or the contentswould lead to the important conclusion that it is freedom that decides theform of law, and not vice versa.There is freedom on the move . . .There is allowing on the move . . .But freedom restricts itself when it turns into harm, for ‘harm’ is not oneof the components of freedom, nor of its requirements; it is only awhimsical addendum to it... ‘Restriction’ here is not exactly the semanticmeaning of the word; rather, it is a kind of safeguarding the value, an

innate, subjective safeguard emanating from within.

Freedom here means lifting of restrictions. Laws are derived from it,hence the words of Allah the Almighty:

“That He may relieve them of their pain, and the chains that were

inflicted upon them...” 28 And

“ No coercion in faith; Right is distinct from Wrong ” 29

And verse

“You have your religion; I have mine” 30

All these verses give freedom priority over law as a civilised,intellectual, political and social value. Then comes the Law, inaccordance with this freedom.

Freedom and Oneness-of-Allah

Ayatollah Shirazi relates freedom to the Oneness of Allah (one of the basic principles of Islam). He states:

27 ibid.

28 The holy Qur’an, The Heights (7): 157

29 The holy Qur’an, The Cow (2): 256

30 The holy Qur’an, The Unbelievers (109): 6



17

“He who thinks deeply of the words ‘there is no god but Allah’ - whichare repeated in the Qur'an and the Teaching (of the Prophet of Islam)thousands of times and quoted by Muslims in their prayers and other rites - will find in these words the symbol and essence of freedom. The

Persian emperors were considered gods, and offspring of deity; theywould inflict death or give life, just like the Roman emperors, who werealso considered gods, whose disobedience was like disobeying godhimself. Christians mention in their Holy books the rule: what belongs toCaesar is Caesar’s; what belongs to god is god's). Religion is for god;life is for Caesar and the priests in Europe and elsewhere. Thoseconsidered themselves mediators -middlemen- between god and people.

They claimed that they had in their possession the authority to send

whomever they wanted to Paradise, or to Hell.

That was the case, too, with the Buddhists in India and China. So didothers, like the Israelites, who said to Moses (PBUH):

“Make us a god, like the gods they have” 31

Even stones became gods amongst Arabs and non-Arabs, complete withservants and clergy. Void traditions and superstitions had their stronginfluence on man. Even today, there are millions of idols in India, China

and Japan. In the communist countries we find human idols, like Lenin,Marks and others. Before the advent of Islam, mankind was, and still istoday, succumbed under the yoke of thousands of restrictions, chainsand slavery in many countries. When the last messenger of Allah,Muhammad, declared his motto: “There is no god but Allah”, he in factdeclared an all-out war on all those chains and restrictions. Hisdeclaration is that there is none but only one master in this world, Allahis Almighty. Only Allah must be obeyed. Every man can establish adirect contact with Allah.

As for the prophets and the impeccable Imams (leaders appointed by the prophets (PBUT)), they are the ambassadors of Revelation, who conveyAllah’s principles to mankind.

A book by a western author, which was translated into Arabic under thetitle “The heritage of Persia”, states that kings of ancient Persia were theclosest creatures to god, and whenever people spoke to the king, theywould not mention his name, but say instead “You, the Deity”. The

31 The holy Qur’an, The Heights (7): 138



18

religion of the Zoroastrian conferred divinity on the kings; their orderswere sacred, their offspring were above mankind and their rule was thatof god.

The same phenomenon was prevalent with all other rulers before Islam;they called their kings “ Rabb” (god, lord). When the Persian Emperor sent two men to kill the messenger of Allah (PBUH), and to carry hissevered head to their king, the messenger found that they had shaventheir beards and twisted their moustaches. He asked, “Who ordered youto do this”? “Our Rabb” they answered, meaning, of course, their Persian king. The Messenger then said, “But my Rabb has ordered me tokeep my beard and shorten my moustache”. Then he added, “My Rabb(god) has killed your Rabb (king)”.

In this and similar hadiths (traditions) we find reference to kings as “Rabbs”, just to bring the meaning close to their minds.

Even in the Holy Qur'an we read that Jews and Christians called their prophets sons of god, and sometimes, His partners; and that they called

their priests and clergy by the same names Rabbi’s).32

The relation, therefore, between Oneness of Allah and freedom is an

innate one. The stronger the belief in the oneness of Allah in the mind of man, the stronger his awareness of freedom, which he then exercises andapplies with vehemence in its widest sense.

Therefore “Oneness is the symbol of freedom”33, according to Shirazi,yet this symbol is neither a mark nor a sign; it is simply a real fact.

Conclusion

Shirazi's theory of freedom can, therefore, be summarised in thefollowing points: -

1. Freedom is innate - fundamental nature in man2. Liberation is the practical manifestation of freedom in real life

32 M. Shirazi, “The New Order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace”, pp 314-316

33 ibid.



19

3. Islam combines together the innateness of freedom and thenecessity for liberation

4. It is freedom that defines social laws5. The relation between freedom and Oneness (of God) is an essential

one.



20

Party Organisation

Ayatollah Shirazi discusses political party organisation in the context of his general political philosophy derived from Islamic principles. This iswhy he does not refer to this type of organisation in a language of totalapproval or total rejection. He draws support from a number of supporting evidence.

The Islamic political vision of Shirazi is based on the Islamic concept of leadership council of religious authorities, (Shirazi calls for theestablishment of the consultative system of leadership), as well as onfreedom, social progress and political plurality. All of these criteria help

adept party activities, but only according to their own statutory termsand conditions.

Shirazi’s views on the freedom of political parties are based uponcivilisation and social progress. Most important of those basics are:

The Necessity of Organisation

Shirazi is of the opinion that organisation should be the solid grounds of every purposeful action. This is because organisation is:34 I. A "duty" according to Ali (PBUH) who says,

“To you I recommend fear of Allah, and the organisation of your affairs”II. A "cosmic order", according to the Qur'anic Verse: “.. of

everything... measured ”III. A "vital need, and a source of strength", according to the

Qur'anic Verse:

“ Prepare for them all (sorts) of strengths you can”

On this basis Shirazi calls for resorting to organisation in order to perform the doctrinal, political and economic roles. This basis is onlysecond to awareness, in the process of creating vigilance amongst theMuslims. There is no doubt that the “party” is at the highest level of organisation and one of the most authentic turning points of organisedaction.

34 M. Shirazi, “The Way to Muslim Revival”, p 57



21

Social Development

Shirazi believes in the need for social development, and that a political party can play such a role. “As for ‘the party’ in the political sense of theword, it is part of the community, whose aim is to push the nationforward, to reform corruption, and to help avert danger. It is, therefore,

part of this nation. It is distinguished by its organisation, its deeper understanding of the situation, and the greater volume of action... It is of the nation and for the nation. If it comes to power it gives wider servicesand reforms: and since the party is part of the nation it services thewhole nation. It speaks of the nation as a whole, and struggles to come

to power for the sake of that whole...”35 Shirazi, thus, believes in thefreedom of party activity, because it is a means of development.

The Freedom of Groups

This is another basis on which Shirazi relies in adopting freedom of political actions based on party organisation, for a party is a kind of gathering, but with a specific aim and disciplined.

To that effect he says, “The state has no right to forbid mass-meeting or gathering, whether temporary for celebration, condolences, or exchangeof views; or permanent, as in the case of forming societies, trade unions,committees and the like... because of the fundamental nature of human

freedom.”36

This total concept of freedom according to Shirazi no doubt leads to thisconclusion within the framework of political action.

The fact of the matter is that such basics have civilised dimensions.Hence the very special views of Shirazi on the organisations that trulyand rightly fit this description. A party cannot be called one unless itacquires the following characteristics:

1. To aim at coming to power





22

2. To identify with the masses, for a party must “establish the closestof ties with the masses, which is what enables the party to expand,

quantitatively as well as qualitatively, and to score successes.”37 3. To have internal organisation and constitution: for, “a party is not

merely external entity; it is a philosophy that draws its members

closer together, and defines its aims and means”38 4. Continuous work, activity and giving for “a party must always be an

ever flowing waterfall. It is the duty of a party to keep the

momentum of unrelenting activity.”39 5. Expansion by means of “local organisations and institutions which

will be linked to the central nucleus of the party”40 6. To have a firm organisation, for “the organisation should be (of)

iron”41 Yet this strict par ty discipline must be coupled with the“freedom of the grass root”42.

Such equation can be achieved, Shirazi believes, by observing twoconditions:

A. Total and complete obedience to the leadership, with conviction,

B. The grass root should elect the leadership.43

Only thus can the organisation maintain its cohesion, inter-action andunity. This is the best formula ever coined by theoreticians and leadersof organised movements, for it combines indispensable necessities andrequirements.

7. Appealing to masses: for, “all the party's institutions and membersmust be one with the masses, channelling their energies and leading

37 ibid., p 104

38 ibid., p 102

39 ibid., p 104

40 ibid.

41 M. Shirazi, "The Way to Muslim Revival", pp77-78

42 ibid.

43 ibid.



23

them in the battles of liberation from colonialism and

oppression”.44

Shirazi sets two conditions for the party to be described as the party of the masses:

A. Honest leadershipB. Respect for the massesTo be a popular party, by applying these two conditions, is a basicrequirement in any contemporary organisational ideology.

8. To respond to the masses' needs: by “rendering services to the

masses and endeavouring to win their support”.45 Commenting on

the importance of this point Shirazi states that “appealing to themasses is a difficult task, but has a praiseworthy outcome. Thedifficulty lies in the fact that the masses have needs, and if anorganisation does not meet those needs, it soon loses the masses;

and subsequently the organisation's demise becomes inevitable”46

9. Consultative system (Shura): “A party must be based onconsultation, never on self-opinionated despotism. Wherever consultation has been applied to any matter, it has produced

progress and prosperity”47

10. Vigilance: No organisation has the right to put itself forward as a political party unless it plays this effective role. “..It is necessary for all party activists to provide comprehensive and deep awareness for the party members in order to understand the world and the religion.It is important for a party to be aware of what is going on around it,

in which case it becomes a strong and steadfast organisation....”48

The above are the basic indicators considered by Shirazi to be essentialin any party organisation if it wants to be worthy of this political

44 ibid.

45 ibid., p 93

46 ibid., p 69

47 ibid.

48 ibid., 74-75



24

support. If we study them well we find they contain the followingaspects:

• Objectives: coming to power, leading the nation, change and

development;• Means and tools: contact with the masses, awareness, meeting the

masses' needs,

• General qualities of a party: Articles of Association, Consultation,discipline, continuous winning.

According to this vision, a party is a civilised and organised institutionthat with its ideological programme actively moves forward to achieve

its aims. The important basis in a party is not only the inner structure49

or the struggle as a first and ultimate fact, or the revolutionary activityalone; rather, it is all those factors working together in harmony. Therecan be no party without a theory; no theory without embodying action;and no embodying action without contact with the masses... All theseissues embody the party in the real political sense of the word.

Based on this vision, Shirazi's opinion is that parties have an effectiverole to play in the movement of history, for they

1. Help select the best2. Contribute to the will of the nation winning the upper hand3. Create political awareness amongst the masses4. Bear the political responsibilities5. Help establish the intellectual and political discipline in the nation6. Encourage creative competition

7. Pushes the society forward50

But this does not mean that party activity is free of shortcomings. It may

bring untoward and grave consequences to the political life of thenation, the people and the society. Of such consequence are dictatorship,showing hostility, distorting facts, etc. Yet all these shortcomings giveno evidence to support any view forbidding or rejecting the philosophyof party activity. It is no secret that every social structure has its ownnegative and positive characteristics; it is the winning of one over theother that entails the suitable stance. To this effect Shirazi states that “...

49 The Psychology of Politics

50 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 102, Politics, Article 37, pp127-137



25

For everything proved to have useful and harmful sides, if these equaliseor one side wins over the other to such an extent that neutralises it, one

such side is ruled permitted (halaal ) or forbidden (haraam)”51

He then lists the harmful sides and the response to them:

1. A party undermines the freedom of a member belonging to itsorganisational, political and activist circle. Shirazi believes thiscriticism to be irrelevant, for a man who decides to identify withand belong to (a party) does that freely and willingly. If a majoritydecision is adopted, it is because it is an implementation of thegeneral or majority will, which is bound to be beneficial to that

individual”52

2. A party splits the unity of the nation. This, Shirazi states, dependson the party's education and the qualities of its activists, and theextent of the nation's vigilance, as well as on the number of partiesin the field. It has nothing to do with the ideology of party activityas a philosophy, method, and way. The opposite sometimeshappens, for as, when sound party activity is available, it may leadto the unity of the nation's will. The cause of the creation is alwaysan effect that is consistent with itself.

3. A party always gives a problem a political colour, which turns itinto a pretext. It tends to sow, in every economic, cultural or

political project, the seeds of suspicion, whether in the intentions, purpose or objective. Such criticism is usually fabricated by theruling regimes “in order to make the party look, in the eyes of

public opinion, like one that harms the interests of the nation,

which, in turn those regimes use to justify their dictatorships.”53 Criticism, however, does not invalidate the need for parties, nor

does it prove that the party concept is a non-entity that has no justification in the turmoil of political life.

4. A party moulds its members into a particular ideologicalframework, i.e., it “renders necessary the narrowing of the mind of its members, so that right and wrong become immaterial to them,

51 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 102, Politics, Article 38: p 138

52 ibid., p 139

53 ibid., p 145



26

what is important to party members is the view of the party,

whatever that may be.”54 But is not this the case in everyideological, intellectual and political aspect, including sects,religion and beliefs? This applies even to language and homeland,let alone a party that is a product of the general structure of thesociety and its beliefs and needs; a party which melts into thesociety and embraces its spirit, without restrictions or narrowing of the minds.

5. Parties falsify democracy. This criticism may be re-directed againsteach and every political and organisational institution and body. A

party that has confidence in its ideological programme and has a broad popular base need not play such games.

From all these observations we may conclude that Shirazi adopts andadvocates the freedom of party activity yet within the context of a livevision, which respects mankind and his capability, and assigning aneffective and vital role to human will. Within the framework of thisvision Shirazi spots other effects relating to the essence and spirit of theidea.

I. No ... to one party system

II. No ... to dictatorial partiesIII. No ... to crude parties (that do not have clear political

programmes)55

In conclusion, Shirazi presents his Islamic view of party political pluralism as follows:

• A party organisation becomes an assigned duty if and when it becomes a prelude to establishing an Islamic government.

•

If other methods become available to establish Islamic rule, partyactivity becomes an optional duty.

• Party activity is prohibited if it turns out to be a prelude to creatinga parliament that does not rule according to Islamic Law.

• Party activity is prohibited if it aims at running the political machineof the country without reference to and acting according to the

jurisdiction of religious scholars.

54 ibid.

55 ibid.



27

• Party activity is prohibited if it turns out to be a cause for bringingto power someone not acceptable to the majority of the nation, evenif that someone was a learned and a just religious scholar.

• A single party's monopoly of power is also prohibited, becauseIslam is a religion based and built on Shura... the consultativesystem.

This is Shirazi's general theory of party organisation. It has, built in it,all the elements of sound theoretical formation. Let us investigate thisquestion in the light of the principle of scientific method.

A theoretical stance towards a phenomenon or a certain issue must stemfrom a clear basis that has a great respect and esteem in the mentality of

definite rules; and has contents and implications that are neither ambiguous nor vague. A quick look at Shirazi's vision of partyorganisation will reveal the fact that it has all the necessary qualities andrequirements. Yet, the progressive tendency is a forceful motive inShirazi's vision of party organisation and activity. Openness, too, is themain quality of all these visions, all within the framework of thecommitted belief in man and his freedom.



28

The Social Revolution

Ayatollah Shirazi's writings on revolutions are very limited in volume, but the contents are abundant in meanings and vision. They seem to bethe product of wide and deep readings into the revolutions of the worldand the experiences of people and their historical struggles againsttyrants.

Shirazi starts his discussion by defining revolution. He considersrevolution as “social coup d' etat”, i.e., and a tremendous transformationeffecting, changing and substituting aspects of intellectual, political and

economic life.56 He thus gives the precise meaning of “revolution”, vis-

à-vis its other unsettled and loose meaning of no clear limits. 57 In this

sense it is an action performed by the “majority of the people” 58, i.e.,revolution is guided and calm action of the masses, not an impulsive or reactive act. Shirazi is of the opinion that a revolution is the climax of three principle provocations (material and moral persecution):

I. Rejection of the ruling regimeII. Despair of any reform

III. Aim for a new social system59

As such, revolution is a kind of mutual dialogue between the masses,their aspiration and the ruling regime; that is, an interaction between amiserable present and an optimistic view of the future. A revolution isdetonated only when such abject conditions deteriorate to an all-timelow of social oppression, political pressure and intellectual terror.

In his “Mechanisms of Revolution” Shirazi explains his theory of revolution. He stresses that a revolution is none but the wider masses,which makes him totally different from Karl Marx, who sees revolutionas industrial and proletariat. His clarity of vision contrasts sharply theconfusion that Dubre's has become known for. Although the latter was arevolutionary activist, his theorisation was confused, for he looks at

56 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume110, Sociology: p 132

57 Brenton, The Revolution, p 17

58 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume110, Sociology: p 132

59 ibid.



29

revolution sometimes as the task of a vanguard of students andrevolutionary intellectuals. On occasions, however, he views revolutionas the task of a band of revolutionary adventurers who detonate therevolution by a bold military move. Dubre strikes a third note when he

describes revolution as the task of the party raising the banner of the

deprived.60

Shirazi differs on this issue with Herbert Marcus too, who believes thatstudents are the spark of revolution, its energy, and its fuel, especially

because the capitalist system has managed to dissipate the revolutionary

spirit out of the working class.61 Nor does Shirazi agree with FranzVanon, who claims that “.. Peasants alone are the real revolutionaries incolonised countries, for they have nothing to lose, and the peasant, the

starving and deprived -outside the class system - will be the firstamongst the exploited, to discover that violence is the only useful

means” 62 It is masses that ignite the revolution, for injustice may befall every one,every body and every class. So, why shouldn't all the classes revolt?This is a fact that has been witnessed in many countries. In Shirazi'sthought, a revolution is not “a jump in the air"; rather it is in stages. Thatis to say, its running on the ground escalates and accelerates in intensityand strength till it reaches the climax. The stages are:

1. Disturbance and discontent2. Escalation of the social revolutionary spirit3. Expansion of the revolution4. Crystallising the one idea as an aim and a way5. Finally, widening the ways effecting the realisation of the

revolution.

1. In the state of disturbance and discontent, the result of the

malpractices of the state, every individual may do whatever theydeem fit, be it complaining, distributing secret leaflets, hints on platforms, or writing slogans on walls etc. The state may take somemeasures, though not very violent, against some of those, but oncethe individual uses violence, the state may respond with similar

60 New views on Revolution, pp 181-182

61 ibid., pp 283, 331

62 ibid., p 37



30

violence, or even tougher measures, as deterrence that the statethinks and hopes would be decisive.

2. As the discontented gets closer together, and because the state's

actions would bring about counter actions and reactions, the spiritof revolution gets inflamed. Despair fills the hearts, so much so that

people begin to see that the only way out lies in them taking thenecessary action. For here is a government, who would not listen toany complaint, rather than in any reform seeking satisfaction in thefalse promises they give and the threats they make, rather than inany reform...

3. As a result, the revolution expands and extends to other areas of the

land and the society; people start to feel the need for a popular action, by the whole people. The action deemed necessary wouldnot aim at reforming an aspect, or changing a minister, or elicitingfairness to a wronged individual; for, the problem is far greater thanall this, and the state begins to deteriorate, from degradation to rudearrogance. It sees itself as the master of the field, which thoseopposing it are few gangsters whom the state, if so wished, could

penetrate them and liquidate them with a heavy stick. And so thetwo opposing sides come to the point of confronting each other.

4. Only then would the revolutionary idea become crystallised, withthe nation determined to overthrow the ruling regime, whatever thesacrifices. Small and modest leaderships begin to emerge and

polarise, which attracts people's attention. They begin to see inthose better alternatives than the state leadership.

5. Then comes the turn of the revolutionary establishment, thuswidening the paths leading to the realisation of the revolution,which would bring chaos to the country. The government and the

revolution establishment confront each other; the governments gripgets weaker, while that of the revolutionaries gets stronger.... Thegovernment tries a hand at compromises. The revolutionariesrefuse. The government tries to avert its final downfall, offeringsome solutions, like changing some officials, cancelling some taxes,freeing some prisoners, or inviting some revolutionaries to share

power with the government.



31

But it would then be too late, for the revolutionaries would quote: “ Now

that you have disobeyed for too long, and were a corrupting agent” 63

The revolutionaries would now take charge of the state's establishmentsand institutions, one after the other. They would not be deterred by thehalf-hearted violence offered by the regime, like declaring a state of emergency, replacing the civilian government by a military one,imposing curfews, firing at demonstrators, looting strikers shops, etc.

Main figures of the government begin to flee or hide. Some of them arecaught by the revolutionaries who would treat them cruelly, or leniently,depending on two things:

1. The extent of violence dealt to the revolutionaries by thegovernment, for violence only produces violence.

2. The moral values of the revolution. Revolutionaries always adhereto ideal qualities; they compete and work hard to make themselvesexamples, which sometimes forces them to forego their legitimaterights.

Hence the savage revenge of the Bolshevik revolution against Tsar andhis followers. The French revolution, however, was less revengeful.

As for the Islamic revolution, it was an expression of Allah, thecompassionate, the merciful. The Prophet (PBUH) addressed his mostvicious opponents when they fell in the grip of his Justice and probity,saying, “Go! For you are now at liberty.”

Ali (PBUH) - appointed by the Prophet to succeed him after his death -conferred amnesty on the leaders of the muting during the Battle of the“Camel”. Even 'Aisha, who spear headed the campaign, along with other leaders (of the rebel army) received his most generous treatment. He

also forgave the leaders of the traitors at Nahrawan, and whenever hearrested any of the rebels of the battle of Siffin, he set him free on thecondition that he would not support the enemy again.

Referring to this attitude, the poet says:

When we ruled, forgiveness was our Nature And when you ruled, there were rivers of blood

63 The holy Qur'an, Jonah (10): 91.



32

Your rule allows the Murder of the captives But we forgave the captives and continued to free them

Suffice this difference between usThrough every container seeps its content

Ali (PBUH) says: “If you rule, be forgiving' .

He continues: “Forgiveness is the alms of victory”... 64

Thus the most important consequence of a revolution lies in two (main)objectives:

A. Destroying the unjust regime65. For, a revolution ends once and for all the injustice of the bygone regime and begins a new era.

B. Distributing power or authority amongst groups, organisations and parties in such a way that no single organisation can monopolise

rule and liquidate the others,66 which means equality of opportunities, both in action and movement.

But Shirazi does not present this as a necessity, but as what the reality

should be, and what the result will be like. Otherwise, take the Frenchrevolution, which ended up as a military colonialist dictatorship; and theRussian revolution, which has been turned into a rule of a tyrantminority.

If a revolution does not eliminate the very roots of a corrupt regime, and build a good regime or system, it will turn into a catastrophe inflicted onthe people and the nation.

A desired outcome may be guaranteed if certain conditions are met: -

I. An integral social programmeII. A “clean” leadership

64 Nuhj-lu-Balgha (Peak of Eloquence), p 506. Nuhj-lu-Balgha is a collection of Sayings, Letters, and Speeches by Imam Ali (PBUH),appointed to be his successor by the prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

65 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 133, Sociology: p 445

66 ibid.



33

III. Public awareness and vigilance

If a dictatorial authority usurps power, other consequences may follow,first and foremost of which is a counter-revolution, campaigns of terror

and arrests, and, eventually, civil war.67

Creve Brenton details some of these consequences in his “Revolution:The Elements, Analysis and Results”.

Ayatollah Shirazi believes in social revolution; and his deep belief in itemanates from its importance in the making of life and history. The onlycondition he lays is that a revolution must carry or bring with it the windof change that will implant the bases and principles of freedom, justice

and progress. That is why he rejects and refutes military coup de tat strongly and vehemently. He considers these as a form of piracy, for most of them, and for the last thirty or so years” have taken place as part

of a colonialist, either Western or Eastern, plan or conspiracy”.68 Theadvocates of coup d' etat claim that “the regular-military action is amust, because the nation has lost its sense of direction or maturity, thusmaking military action the only means of change and, consequently,insisting that political power should remain in the hands of the military”.This is one way of insulting the intelligence and the will of the nations,

especially when we realise that the military's guardianship over thenation has been achieved only thanks to the arms and weaponry, whichis not a rational justification for guardianship. Shirazi reminds us of thecoup d' etat that have taken place, and asks us to look into the disastersthey have brought with them, in the form of terror, suppression of

freedoms etc.69

Ayatollah Shirazi reaches the climax of his theory of revolution when hereasserts the importance of its emanation from its social and historical

milieus. In a loud voice he declares that “ Every revolution must have itsown roots”. 70 By “roots” he means the nature, customs, traditions andideas that constitute the history of a nation, what contemporary writerscall “the free conscience of a nation”. Today, this formula is a great

67 ibid.

68 ibid., pp 452-454

69 ibid.

70 ibid.



34

theory of human thought, which deals with revolution, construction andchange. The last thirty years or so of this century are called the era of “returning to roots”. Yet Shirazi is not oblivious of the role externalfactors play in the process of change, be it backing or support offered by

states, people or institutions.71

These are the outlines of the theory of revolution in the political thoughtadvocated and initiated by Ayatollah Shirazi. They may be summed upin the following points:

• The definition: “A Revolution is a fundamental social coup”.

• The tools: “The wider masses”.

• The causes: “Total social oppression combined with frustration with

the status quo”

• The desired result: “destruction of the unjust regime, and building anew society based on freedom, Justice and progress”.

• The basic condition: “Emanation from the roots”.

• The basic requirement: “A clean programme, revolutionary ethics,and honest leaderships”.

• The stages: “Disturbance and discontent; escalation of therejectionist spirit, expansion of rejection, Crystallising of ideas andrevolutionary wills; availability of several methods to strike againstthe opponent (the ruling regime); the final result

• The outcome: “A new social and political life abundant with hope,optimism and giving, but only if the masses are well aware of therole they have to play, and if they do not allow a small faction tosteal the revolution and liquidate others. Otherwise, a tyrantdictatorship might ensue, if the masses fail to play their part, andfail to safeguard, through their awareness, vigilance and clear stances, the gains of the revolution.

71 ibid.



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Non-Violence

Non-violence, or peace, is an essential pillar of the political theory presented and advocated by Ayatollah Shirazi in all his books,researches and studies.

Peace is:

• An aim and objective, on the one hand,

• And, on the other, a means and a way.

That is to say, peace is a total strategic principle.72 Within this

framework, Shirazi puts forward the following slogans: -

• Peace always and forever 73

• Peace is the guarantee for the maintenance of a principle74

• Peace produces the safest and best consequences 75

• Peace in speeches, peace in the writings, peace in action, and peace

everywhere and with everyone.76

In this very wide sense of the word, peace does not become an

obsession, as some like to think; rather, it is a total political vision. First because of its totality and the assertion it enjoys as a quality.

An obsession is a sudden, temporary interjection, whereas a vision issteadiness, continuity, insight and guidance.

Ayatollah Shirazi builds this total and comprehensive vision of peace,remarkable as it surely is, relying on an important collection of

justifications and reasoning. Of these are:

1- The Islamic Legal evidence

72 M. Shirazi, The Way to Muslim Revival, p 199

73 ibid., p 201

74 ibid., p 209

75 ibid., p 196

76 ibid., p 198



36

There are a great number of these in the Qur'an and the Teaching of theProphet (Sunnah). The texts call for peace as a slogan, a starting point,an aim and objective, and a course of action.

Allah the Almighty states in the Qur'an:

“Do enter all in peace, and do not follow the steps of Satan”,

“And their greetings in it (paradise) is peace”,

“Be kind and courteous, and you will soon find that those with whom you have enmity become very close friends... Only those who show patience (perseverance) will enjoy this; only those with great luck shall

do”.

“Do not swear at those who seek (Deity) in other than God”,

The prophet is quoted as saying,

“O Ali, the best of qualities in this life and the hereafter are words of courtesy, generosity, and to forgive those who inflict injustice on you”.

. . . and many other Teachings to this effect.

2- The Infallible Tradition

When Makkah fell, the Prophet pardoned the (tribe of) Quraysh,including the most vicious of that tribe, who persecuted him, expelledhim and fought battles against him. To them he said the well-known

phrase:

“Go! For you are now at liberty.”

Ali (PBUH) never fought his enemies in the battles of "the Camel","Nahrawan" and "Siffin", without first giving them the unequivocalanswers to their arguments, and gave them warnings and plenty of opportunities to reflect. Even when he won his victory over them, henever took revenge on any of them. He pardoned them all. ImamHussain (PBUH) did the same. Imam Ali’s slogan after the fall of Makkah was: Today is the day of mercy; today, the inviolables are protected .



37

3- Sound Thought

For it leads to peace, and saves lives, brings plenty to all, protects thehonour and chastity of human beings, expands human relations, and

enables the good earth to give its best.

4- Experience

For all the governments, regimes and parties that used violence havevanished, or are on their way to demise. Peoples and nations in

particular and mankind in general hate them.

Peace according to Ayatollah Shirazi, is the anti-thesis of:

1. War. For war is the worst thing mankind has ever known. Wars area direct cause of the destruction of man in every respect; socially,

psychologically and from the civilisation viewpoint. Wars are total

destruction 77. This is a right and a wise judgement, and there is nodoubt that “all civilisations of the past have been destroyed by

wars.” 78. Suffice it to say that wars “are the inevitable encounter

with death, be it by accident or by fighting.”79

2. Violence. For, violence is an abnormality that paralyses man'smovement, and blocks the psychological channels between peopleand rulers and the regimes, which practice violence openly andsecretly. Violence is a state of behaviour that totally controls theviolent; for, “the violent person is equally so with both friends and

strangers, with aliens as well as with enemies”. 80 It is a (second)nature, yet an abnormal one.

Shirazi rejects all forms of violence...

77 M. Shirazi, "The New Order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace", p349.

78 Wars and Civilisation, p36.

79 ibid., p28.

80 M. Shirazi, "The Way to Muslim Revival", p 191.



38

• Be it straightforward violence, as when a man forces another to sign

a pledge, under the threat of murder 81. Force and coercion areillegal in Islam.

• Or less visible violence, as when an employer forces an employee todo a job, exploiting a psychological or livelihood weakness in

him.82 This is similar to exploitation or blackmail.

• Or silent violence: whereby a bureaucratic system exhausts the

patience of citizens who eventually succumb to it. 83 Bureaucracyis the disease of civilisation.

Peace, therefore, is a project, an idea, a theory, and a vision... Incontrast, war is coercion and dictatorship, which are of close and similar qualities. That is why we have stated that peace is a framework in the

political thought of Ayatollah Shirazi.

Yet he speaks in detail of peace in the field of the Islamic movement. Hethus puts forward the following criteria:

1. The Islamic movement must adopt peace as a slogan, for it is thesymbol and motto of Islam, peace of the world, of the country, of the family, and peace of the whole society.

2. Relations between members of the movement must be based on peace. “ Members must have complete harmony, and there should

not be disputes and disagreements between them...” 84

3. The relation between the movement and others based on thishonourable human principle, i.e. peace. To that effect he says, “Theactivists of the movement must embody peace in their thought,

words and actions, towards both friends and foes” 85

81 Psychology of politics, pp 182-200. Also note Shirazi's view on this topic in "Politics","Sociology", "Government in Islam" and "The New Order for the World of Faith,Freedom, Prosperity and Peace"

82 ibid.

83 ibid.

84 M. Shirazi, "The Way to Muslim Revival", p 208

85 ibid., p 190



39

4. The movement must do its utmost to educate its members to thetune of this great moral value. “The movement must educate itscadres according to the ethics of peace in words, thought, writing,

and deeds, whatever the cost” 86, he says.

5. Peace should be the Islamic movement's means to achieve itsobjectives, for “war, boycott and other methods of violence, as wellas abnormal emergencies are, unlike the Islamic fundamental

principles, similar to eating a dead animal's carcass out of desperate

necessity...” 87

Achieving peace within the Islamic movement is possible if two

conditions are met: 88

A. If free elections are heldB. If consultation (Shura) is practised within the movement.

Peace with other movements can be achieved by adopting a policy of tolerance, exchange of ideas, intellectual dialogue and free scientific and

objective debates.89

Peace for all movement, therefore, is an objective, a programme and asystem.For the Islamic state, however, peace is a far greater task: It is that state'smessage to the world and its international target, which it tries to reach.To that effect Shirazi says, “The Islamic State must advocate peace:

(O you who have believed, enter all in peace) 90

And move towards peace in response to a similar attitude by non-Islamicstate:

If they move towards peace, move towards them, too.91

86 ibid., p 202

87 ibid., p 183

88 ibid., pp 223-225

89 ibid.

90 The holy Qur'an, Cow (2): 208.



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If the Islamic state is forced to wage an external war or to quell aninternal disturbance, it must do so according to the most ideal andhumanitarian principle. For, war is very much like a surgical operation,

only implemented when absolutely necessary...”92 This is the idea ingeneral. Yet, Shirazi gives further details on the responsibility of theIslamic State towards world peace. He believes that the Muslim Stateshould work for peace through:

I. Stopping the arms race,II. Containing the idea of military coups,III. Giving the role of the United Nations real effectiveness by

invalidating the right of veto,

IV. Spreading social justice thr oughout the world,V. Calling for human virtues. 93

We can easily see a dialectical relationship, in the theory of Shirazi, between world peace and world social justice. This is a point of viewstrongly advocated by contemporary studies. Lister Pearson, a NobelPrize winner, is one such example. “Welfare of peoples is one of the

pillars of peace;” he writes, “this issue has witnessed a great interest and

development in our minds recently.” 94

There is no doubt that there is an inherent relationship between peaceand the containment of the formidable arms race, which threatens thewhole world. There is a spiritual and creative interrelationship between

peace and morals. According to Spinoza, “Peace is none but the

determination that emanates from the virtues of the soul.” 95

Thus, the theoretical construction of the world peace is completed in andthrough the policies of the Islamic State. Peace is a relentless effort, with

which emotions, intellect, material, spirit and will interact.

91 The holy Qur'an, Public Estates (8): 61.

92 ibid.

93 ibid.

94 L. Pearson, “Diplomacy in the Nuclear era”, p 93

95 ibid., p106



42

It is necessary, therefore, for the Islamic trend, before establishing astate, i.e., the Muslim State, to avert war in every possible way. For killing provokes people beyond description. People never forget thosewho kill their sons, relatives and friends.

Even if such actions did not leave any immediate impact during the eraof the prevailing strengths of a certain ideology or state, they would be

bound to make their inevitable impact on the long run.99

99 ibid.



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Justice

In Islam, justice is a great, wide and important issue, because it relates tofar reaching aspects of that faith:

• Doctrine: God's justice is one of the pillars of the Islamic faith.• Existence: Justice in a cosmic sense is inherent in the Islamic vision

of the universe, where existence (of the universe) is balanced and

coherent: We have grown everything in balance. 100 • Conduct: Islam requires every Muslim to conduct all her/his

behaviour in a just manner i.e. a committed Muslim. This conduct isalso the pre-condition that a ruler, religious scholar and even a

prayer leader must have.• Social: Justice as a social need is also an Islamic principle, which

means that the society and its motion must be founded on a balanced basis, in rights and duties, irrespective of any marginalconsideration, be it colour race or language.

Some of Shirazi's statements on justice in the behavioural and socialdomains are characterised by a didactic, almost emotional tone, whileother statements have the vigour of ideology and theorisation.

On the issue of preparing the human conscience, and loading the humanspirit with the instinct of justice, Ayatollah Shirazi gives, as examples, anumber of real - life stories in a small booklet called “Justice: the basisof government”. Beautifully written, it provides food for thought andlessons to be learned on the value of justice in this life.

Theoretically, Shirazi is of the opinion that:

1- The Foundation of the Islamic State.

Justice is one of the pillars on which the Islamic State stands, and itinvolves all aspects of life, even “with enemies; and even in small

matters”. 101 Shirazi draws his evidence from the Qur'an and theTeachings of the prophet stipulating “the obligatory nature of justice”.

100 The holy Qur'an, Hijr City (15): 19

101 M. Shirazi, "The New order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace"



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2- Equal Opportunity

Economic justice means bringing classes closer together rather thanstriking total equality amongst them. This cannot be achieved through

automatic distribution of wealth, as some people imagine, for such is a backward and primitive method. Justice can be achieved, however,through equal opportunities provided to all people.

In his book “Economics” (Case no. 9), Shirazi says, “it is necessary toguarantee all people equality in economic matters, for all people are the

offspring of one father and one mother...”102

3- Ownership

In this respect, Shirazi rejects the two extreme forms of ownership, i.e.the capitalist and the Marxist forms of ownership. Human economicstend to admit and recognise moderate ownership, now that bothexperiments, the Western and the Eastern, have failed in this respect.103

4- Redistribution of Wealth

Under this heading comes the principle of equality of giving stipulatedand reasserted by Ali following his succession to the government. Instipulating this principle, Shirazi draws further evidence of thiseconomic factor included in his concept of justice from a number of

Islamic legal texts, as well as from the traditions of Ali (PBUH). 104

Allah states:“... Whatever God had conferred on his messenger (from gains taken) from people of the cities, (goes) to God, the messenger, the kinsmen, theorphans and the travellers, so that it may not circulate amongst the richamongst you. What the messenger gives you, take it; and what he forbids you to take, don't. Fear God, for God's punishment is verily

great”105.

102 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volumes 107-108, "Economics"

103 ibid., p 184-193.

104 M. Shirazi, “New Order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace”

105 The holy Qur'an: Banishment (59): 7



45

The sixth Imam, Sadiq, is quoted as saying , “He who takes charge of one aspect of peoples' affairs, and deals with them justly, and isavailable for people to solve their problems, Allah verily guarantees his

security on the day of Judgement and admits him to paradise.

He is also quoted as saying, "The people of Islam are the children of Islam: I treat them all as equal when I give. As for their virtues, it is amatter between them and Allah. I treat them as if they were the childrenof one man; none of them is given priority on grounds of his virtue or piety...”

5- Criteria for the Ruler

Finally, justice is a quality, which a religious scholar must possess inorder to satisfy one of the criteria of being religious authority and/or leader. This will be later discussed under “Council of religiousauthority”.

A quick look at this set of elements and conditions would easily revealthat justice according to Ayatollah Shirazi is a social value as much as a

philosophical one. It is second nature in intellectuals who put man ontop of their intellectual concerns to speak of justice in its objective sense

more than as a metaphysical concept.

Shirazi bonds justice and good deeds together, hence his comments onsome Qur'anic Verses ordaining justice and probity, “...He who

exercises justice in all cases is the one who has done good deeds.”106 Justice, according to Ayatollah Shirazi, is a creative power, revivingright and destroying injustice. G. Lewis Dickinson, the well-known

philosopher and politician, arrives at similar conclusion when he statesthat, “justice is a power, and if that power cannot create something, it

can, at least, inflict destruction...” 107

Justice in this broad sense, according to Shirazi, is one of the mainobjectives of the Islamic State.

106 M. Shirazi, “New Order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace”

107 Harold Laskie, "Government - Theory and Practice", vol. 2, p 7



46

Under “Case No. 29” he states that, “Of the main issues, which concernthe Islamic State, is justice and kindness, which is above justice). If yougave an employee his dues, this would be justice. If you gave him more,

that would be kindness.” 108

Yet, Shirazi deepens the relation between justice and kindness; he seesthe latter as a sublimation of the former and its perfection, lifting justiceeven higher. But how?

He states: “Justice in terms of the law is what Islam terms kindnesswhich is closer to reality. In any case, there are “equality”, “justice”,and “kindness”. Allah says, “Allah has ordained justice, and

kindness".109

Equality could be just or it may not be so, and vice versa. For example,if inheritance is divided equally between two brothers, this is equalityand justice, but if an older brother and younger one were given the samelength of cloth to make clothes for themselves this would be equality butnot justice. If they were each given according to his needs that would be

justice but not equality.

Justice means giving every one their right dues, and holding everywrong doer responsible for their own wrongdoing. Kindness, on the

other hand, means giving one more than what one is rightly entitled to, provided that this does not harm or eat into the right of others.Pardoning a criminal, for example, is kindness, provided that it does notinvalidate or annul another right. Kindness is higher up the law; for thelaw stipulates rights, duties and indictments only, whereas kindness is aneffort to make life easier; the climate, cooler. The state should take thisinto consideration, so that the law may turn into a lush oasis, abundantwith mercy and compassion for man. Kindness aims at strengthening theties between the state and the nation, and guiding that nation forward.The mutual relation between the two necessitates a certain degree of trust, freedom and welfare. All of these are essentials for progress, even

for security, tranquillity and relief from unease.” 110

108 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, “Government in Islam”, p 157

109 The Qur'an, The Bee (16): 90

110 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, vol. 106 Politics, p 290-291



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Islamic Unity

According to Shirazi's political vision, Islamic unity consists of thefollowing aspects: -

1. The idea2. Aspects and fields3. Methods and Tools

Accordingly, the issue of “The Islamic Unity” forms a project that is acomponent of the political vision adopted by Ayatollah Shirazi.

The Idea

The idea of “Islamic Unity” stems from a number of basic, indisputable,Islamic principles. The Islamic faiths as well as the history and commondestiny are examples of the principles, which unite the Muslims.All the Muslims are united on many aspects of those principles. Theyare therefore bound to unite. Islamic unity is a necessity emanating from

“Islamic brotherhood” 111 as stipulated in the Qur'an: “All believers

are verily brothers”. The same emanates from the concept of “the

Muslim Ommah or Community” 112, which is one nation according tothe Qur'an. “... This is your Community, one and united; I am your Lord,and Me you shall worship...”

Thus the idea of Islamic unity is a natural outcome of all these preceptsthat are taken for granted and are a matter of Islamic fact. On this themajority of Muslim scholars, both Shi'a and Sunni, agree.

Aspects and Fields

Unity as an idea is proposed in current debates, but only as an abstract, aconcept, and in terms of a rosy wish and a slogan.

111 M. Shirazi, "The New order for the World of Faith, Freedom, Prosperity and Peace", p 491

112 ibid., p 487



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The majority of those who advocate unity imply “sectarian unity” i.e. theunity of Shi'a and Sunni. This is where the weakness of most of thosecalls lies, as they emanate from an oversimplified meaning of “unity”

and from a simplified understanding.

Unity in the sense of co-operation, mutual support and understanding isa huge and vast project and for both Shi'a and Sunni it may be at its laststages. From this responsible vision Shirazi moves to the crucial debateon Islamic unity.

It is a proposal, which has emanated from a real and affectionateexperience in the Islamic field in the Islamic cause in all its aspects and

vast areas of active initiatives. That is why he discusses the issue inmore than one aspect and on more than one occasion: -

I. Unity of the Islamic Leadership

This is embodied in the “Council of Religious Authorities” - aconsultative system of leadership as presented by Shirazi when dealingwith the administration of the Islamic State. This is the very idea, whichhe aims to turn into reality now, with all his power and using all theintellectual energy he can muster. And he enjoys the support of many

Muslim activists. This issue is discussed in another chapter of this book.

II. Unity of the Islamic Movement

This issue occupies a vast area of Shirazi's invaluable studies, publishedin his “Towards Muslim Revival”. According to this study, thefoundation and basis of this unity is “the iron organisation, for, if anorganisation is loose, and if the grassroots dif fers with the leadership,

the whole system will end up in failure” 113. He believes that there are

three bases, which guarantee this unity, in addition of course, to theunity of ideology and objective. The three bases are: -

A. Commitment and respect to the leadership by the basesB. The election of the leadership by the members of the organisation.

Since if there were no free elections of the leadership by the bases,the interaction between the two would not be honest, or based onconviction.

113 M. Shirazi, "The Way to Muslim Revival", p 79.



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C. Disciplinary measures against those flouting the rules. 114

The party, the organisation or the movement must have, as an essentialconcept, the element and principle of strict internal unity in order to playits vital role.

III. Unity of the Islamic Movements

Shirazi believes in the impending necessity of the “One world IslamicMovement”. This is the core of his political thought. To that effect hesays,“There is one movement in Iran, another in Iraq, a third in the Gulf andother movements in India, Pakistan, North Africa, Egypt and Sudan.

There are movements in the Americas, Europe, Japan, China and theSoviet Union. It is necessary for all those movements to unite in onesingle movement as long as the objective is one, and the issue is thesame. All of them complain of colonialism, exploitation, dictatorship

and civilisation backwardness etc.”115

The unity of the Islamic movement, all its organisations, parties etc. has become an impending necessity, now that the enemies have taken theunequivocal decision to confront Islam in a war of life or death. Strength

will come only from unity; if all the Islamic movements were united,they would become a formidable force capable of confronting foreign

colonialism and internal backwardness.” 116

Shirazi does not ignore the role of Islamic legislation ( Ijtihad ) in thisrespect. He admits the possibility of divergence of opinion on this issueamongst the Islamic movements, yet he does not consider that as a realobstacle. “Divergence of Islamic legislation would not harm the issue of unity”, he writes, “for differing is a natural thing in human beings.

Activists - however sincere - are bound to make different decisions( Ijtihad ).” To solve this problem, Shirazi suggests “implementing the

views of the majority” 117, but according to Islamic criteria. Such unity,he adds, requires two aspects: -

114 ibid., pp77-78

115 ibid., p 65

116 ibid., p 66

117 ibid.



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A. “to ignore shortcomings and to forgive mistakes; to forget disputesand quarrels”

B. “to have joint actions, as, for example, when the general leadership

of all those movements decide to declare a general strike on acertain day, from Tangiers in the West to Djakarta in the East, and

from Kabul to the farthest West” 118

Such joint actions must, of course, be preceded by a unity of method, political thought, struggle and organisational approaches, even in ageneral sense.

IV. Unity of Muslims (Sunni and Shi'a)

Shirazi discusses this issue by addressing the most important and at thesame time the most difficult aspect of this topic, which is the subject of the united government for all the Muslims. This topic has not beenaddressed and discussed as thorough as necessary. This is a remarkableidea, and a penetration into the far depths of the complications andimplications of the issue, especially if we take into consideration the factthat unity in the sense of total sectarian fusion is alien to reality andlogic. Even meeting on common grounds is a much-argued issue. Yet

this unity, with the issue of the ruling regime complex in mind, in whatlacks interest, discussion and treatment. By tackling the subject from thisangle, Shirazi is taking an ideological and political risk, or even gamble,for the consequences and after- effects will not escape criticism. Therisk is nonetheless; based on solid grounds because it is wrought withthought and (creative) imagination.

To this effect Shirazi says, `There are a thousand million Muslims in thisworld, almost half of whom are Shi'a and the other half Sunni. Theyshare joint life in all the countries and, in some countries the Shi'a are

the majority; in others the Sunni, and in some other countries they are of equal numbers. If we wanted to bring those Sunni and Shi'a together in areligious and ideological unity, we should fulfil a number of conditions:

1. We should bring all Shi'a religious authorities together in oneSupreme Council that take decision by majority vote.

118 ibid., p 69



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2. We should bring all Sunnis religious authorities and scholarsfollowing them together in a Supreme Council that takes decision

by the majority vote...

3. Those two Supreme Councils should be combined together in onecouncil. If a ruling were to be made concerning one sect (school of thought) only, the scholars of that sect can make such ruling bymajority of vote (of their respective Supreme council). If the rulingeffects all Muslims, i.e.' all the one thousand million Muslims onmatters of peace and war etc., the ruling should be taken bymajority of vote of both councils, yet the majority in one Councilshould never mean that it is the absolute majority.

4. Each one of the two sects has the full right and freedom to discussfundamental and minor issues; but neither sect has any right toattack the other physically.

5. From the Supreme council and the scholars assembly (consultative bodies) will emerge free Islamic parties, each in their respectivesectarian milieu. Those parties should become schools of economic,social and educational thought aimed at preparing the suitable cadreto administer the country in all legislative, judicial and executivesectors.

6. Rulers should be chosen from the majority in any one country, provided that such an arrangement does not restrict or limit thefreedom of the minority. The same applies to the judiciary and thelike.

7. The duty of all those scholars and parties must be to bring this oneCommunity back to life, and to refer the ultimate leadership and

judgement back to Allah the almighty. 119

A look into this proposition would no doubt reveal its realistic approachand respect for the others. It has the practical formula, which translatessectarian agreement into real tangible action.

As mentioned before, Shirazi tends here to break the political and socialtaboos in a bold and courageous manner. For the issue of Islamic unityin the field of leadership is the most crucial and complex aspect. The

119M. Shirazi, "How to Unite the Muslims"



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bloodshed inflicted in Shi'a and Sunni may be due to a number of reasons, most important and serious of which being leadership.

Ayatollah Shirazi does not believe in rosy words as means to achieve an

objective, let alone an objective such as “Islamic unity”. Rather, it is the practice based on a clear and practical proposition, is the only way toachieving that.

It must be mentioned, however, that in submitting this vital proposition,Shirazi's school of thought has drawn on all the elements of entity, effectand influence on both sects, the Sunni and Shi'a. He has put forward hisunitary visions only after combining all these elements in his mind andthought.

In his theoretical introduction he states that, “It is easy to raise Islamicunity as a slogan and an alternative to emotions emanating from theheart. To give it its mantle of direct realisation, however, needs a whollyintegrated vision and proposition, covering, on the one hand, theCommunity and the state, and, on the other, all the traditional trends,

religious authorities and scholars.”120

V. Unity of the Shi'a Entity

According to Shirazi, this entity is composed of three main elements:

1. The supreme religious authority and other religious authorities,2. Regional scholars, scholars of religious Shi'a schools, and all those

who belong to this circle,3. The Community.

Methods and Tools

Shirazi is of the opinion that the unity of this entity can be achieved if every one of these three elements performs its duties as required. Onlythen would ideas, thoughts and objectives be united.

What are the duties of a Religious Authority? They are, in short:

120 ibid.



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(a) To answer questions(b) To give fatwa (religious ruling)(c) To guide people(d) To call for Islam

(e) To order virtuous deeds(f) To forbid vile deeds(g) To write and publish books treatise, papers, etc.(h) To organise religious schools(i) To send agents(j) To effect reconciliation and reform(k) To send missionaries(l) To collect and distribute money(m) To raise the standard of Muslims

(n) To be a judge(o) To deter the unjust from inflicting harm on those wronged(p) To protect the laws of Islam and uphold them(q) To prevent void ideas from infiltrating (the Muslim State)(r) To give the unjustly treated their dues (to deter and prevent

injustice)(s) To meet people’s needs

(t) To protect the land of Islam against the enemies. 121

The second and consequent question is what are the duties of scholars?In a word they are:

a) Educating and teaching b) Teaching moral valuesc) Making speechesd) Writing bookse) Running educational institutionsf) Acting as agents (deputies) for Religious Authorityg) Calling for Islam

h) Giving advice to Religious Authority. 122

It is quite clear that the main requirement for all those duties isspecialised scholarship. Yet this does not mean overlapping, especiallywhen the chances of movement and formation are scanty, and thesecurity and political conditions are difficult.

121M. Shirazi, "The Religious Authority and the People", pp 11-13

122 ibid., pp 39-40



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The third question is "What are the duties of the community?" Theyare:

(a) To follow Religious Authority when making a legal Islamic ruling(judgement)

(b) To obey Religious Authority(c) To give them their dues(d) To support them in all matters(e) To unite behind them(f) To seek their advice in matters of judicial nature(g) To ask them for agents (deputies)(h) To keep them informed of what happens in the society

(i) To defend them(j) To prepare and create the right circumstances for them(k) To do their duties towards improving life (conditions) and building

civilisation.123

123 ibid.



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The System of Consultation (Shura)

Council of Religious Authorities

Ayatollah Shirazi's vision of leadership in Islam is in line with his boldand courageous views on freedom, justice and revolution. Moreover,this vision is based on evidence from the Qur'an and the teachings of the

prophet. The essence of this vision lies, as is well known, in the(leadership) Council of Religious Authorities.

Yet this system of leadership is neither a mere political slogan nor a propaganda poster. Rather, it is an Islamic view on this subject based on proof and evidence from the Qur'an and the Teaching of the prophet. Itaddresses the issue of leadership in Islam in great detail.

Anyone well read in the legacy of Shirazi will find that he shows greatand effective interest in the “Council”. He refers to it from time to time,and it seems that his aversion to dictatorship and his deep love for mankind and Islam combine to create a very important psychologicalreality and motive in this respect.

Ayatollah Shirazi has published some outstanding works dealing withthis issue. Under the title, “Government in Islam”, volume 99 of his Fiqh series, he delves in what amounts to an expanded, detailedevidential jurisprudence. In this work, he describes his theory of leadership in Islam in 34 case studies. He discusses them in full detail,as he does in his other and equally voluminous works such as “Politics",and “Sociology"; volumes 105-106 and 109-110 of the Fiqh seriesrespectively, “Thus is the Rule of Islam”, “Towards Muslim Revival”,

“Universal Islamic Government” and in many other works. This Fiqh series is one of the most remarkable works on Fiqh (Islamic legislation)ever published. This works covers various aspects such as Government,Politics, Economics, Sociology, Freedoms, Rights, Law, Judiciary,Contract, Marriage, etc. The Fiqh series constitutes 150 volumes, whichrun into more than 55,000 pages.



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Islamic Legislative

Legislative Authority of the Messenger and Imams

Shirazi explains his theory of leadership, starting with the question of legislative authority. He asserts without any doubt that it is the right of

the Prophet and the Imams124, but not in a sense that “they are the law

or its makers”125, for that is the right of Allah the Almighty alone.Rather, they explain this legislation for people. Shirazi actually drawsthe evidence of the total and exclusive divine entitlement to legislationfrom the Qur'anic Verse “Rule is the privilege of Allah (alone)”.

On the role of prophets and imams as interpreters of the law of Allah, hedraws evidence from the Qur'anic Verse “do remind, for you are nonebut a reminder”. And from the Qur'anic verse:“And if he fabricates words he attributes (falsely) to us, we would demand his oath, and then inflict the heaviest punishment on him”.

He quotes many other Verses, then lists support from teachings of the prophet and consensus of the scholars, then concludes as follows: -

“ In any case, ... authority is, first and foremost, Allah's then the

Messenger's and then the Imam's. Each of them has the privilege of universal authority, and the authority of legislation; yet Allah's authorityis innate, personal, and subjective. As for his representatives, it is rather drawing on Him, His permission. Legislation as applied to them meansonly their right to explain the law of Allah the Almighty, not doctrinal

legislation parallel to the authority of Allah” 126

On this basis, we can conclude that the legislative authority, as atemporary authority, is a confirmed privilege of the Messenger and the

Imams.

124 They are those appointed by the Prophet to succeed him to lead the Muslims.

125 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series vol. 99, "Government in Islam", p11

126 ibid., p 17



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Transition of the Authority to Religious Scholars

In the absence of the infallible imam should the Islamic law besuspended?

In his gradual exposition of his theory of leadership in Islam, Shirazistates that the General Legislative Authority of the prophets and theImams is transferred to the religious scholar who meets the criteria.(Such scholar is referred to as Religious Authority.)

He draws evidence from the Qur'an, the Sunnah, consensus and reasonto the effect that the religious scholar who meets the conditions andrequirements enjoys the General Legislative Authority. He supports the

consensus view that “a large number of scholars used to administer anddeal with the affairs of the state and general politics”, and relatesevidence to the effect that the community had certain commitmentstowards religious scholars, and its loyalty and allegiance to them on

various issues. 127

How Do the Religious Scholars Come to Power?

Ayatollah Shirazi does not confine his scope to this limit, but goesfurther into clear and programmed detail on how do religious scholarscome to power? This is a very serious, important and essential question.The Prophet became ruler through call to Islam, by gathering supporters,

by engaging defensive war, in defence of the faith and life. Theinteraction between these calamities led him to rule Madinah. It was theMessenger that, on the orders of the Almighty, appointed the twelveinfallible Imams to succeed him to lead the community. What is the wayin which the religious scholars assume this honourable decoration?

Here, Shirazi strongly defends the idea of elections. It is the communitythat chooses its leader, according to the political Islamic theory of Shirazi.

He says, “The Muslim ruler is he who fulfils two conditions: -

1. That he pleases Allah the Almighty

127 ibid., p 26



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2. That he is elected by the majority of the community.128

In order to further clarify the idea, Shirazi says, “Government in Islam isneither bad or dictatorial. A ruler who comes to power through amilitary coup is totally unacceptable to Islam even if the ruler were aMuslim; for Islam demands that the opinion of the majority be the oneadopted”. Such election should never be “ceremonial”, i.e., loaded withdemonstration and rallies. It is also “necessary to hold periodic generalelections to elect the head of state and the regional governors, also

according to the vote of the majority.”129

Method of Election

Ayatollah Shirazi discusses the issue of leadership in further detail sothat the complete picture of the landmarks of a comprehensive school isclear.

How are the elections held?

The question has got to be addressed, since demonstrations and ralliessupporting a certain candidate may be used as a proof that the candidate

is or elected. Shirazi rejects this approach, as previously stated, andadvocates elections in their familiar legal and political sense. But how?

His answer is, “The nation has the right to appoint the head of statethrough voting or elect a group of those to appoint the head of state.Thus the delusion is refuted, namely that “elections are unknown to the

Islamic method, so how can Muslims advocate them?” 130

On the basis of this viewpoint we come to the conclusion that election

may be direct or indirect. Direct elections are those held by the nation inorder to choose its leader without an intermediary. Indirect elections arethose that are administered by representative elected by the nation.

128 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 101, "Politics", p 504

129 M. Shirazi, " The Way to Muslim Revival "

130 M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, vol. 99, "Government in Islam", p41



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Both methods embody the will of the Muslim nation in choosing itsleader. Opting for one or the other depends on the circumstances and theatmosphere.

The Final Picture

Later, Shirazi details the final picture of the conditions likely to be theconsequence of the election process. It is clarified as follows:

1. That the people choose a qualified religious authority ( Faqih) “to be the one who takes charge of all matters. This is called “Wilayat Faqih” (the leadership of the religious authority).

2. Alternatively, the people choose a number of religious authorities( Faqih's) to be the collective head of the state on the basis of Council of Religious Authority. In the case of Council of ReligiousAuthority, a new solution emerges; the situation is bound to be oneof the two:

I. Either the elected Faqihs select one of them as the leader, whilethe rest form the consultative body advising him, thus

becoming “advisors”,II. Or the concept of “collective leadership” is put into effect,whereby the affairs of the state and leadership are executed (by

the whole body of elected jurists)131

In accordance with the above, “...The head of the Islamic state is theFaqih (jurist) who meets the set criteria, be it an individual or acollective body, according to the community's will and choice”.

It is quite clear that if the Community will choose more than one Faqihwho fulfil the conditions of leadership, which results in a governing andruling body, the nation will then have opted for the “council of religiousauthorities” as a practical form of Islamic rule.

This leads to a serious result, namely that “council of religiousauthorities” as a method of rule, is subject to the community's approval.In this way Shirazi reaches the top of being honest to one's self on the

131M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 101, "Politics", p 505



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intellectual and ideological level... For, although he finds in “council of religious authorities” the most exemplary, accurate, remarkable andcapable form of state administration, he insists that such form shouldnever be imposed on the nation by force, ambiguity, or any other method

of imposition. It should be the outcome of total public elections,whereby the election process plays a positive and effective role. We thusfall back on the first principle established by Ayatollah Shirazi, i.e., theneed to appoint a ruler, whether a single individual or a collective body,through elections.

An Initial Conclusion

If we wished to draw a consequential gradation of Shirazi's theory of Islamic rule as a method, beginning from the top, we would find it asfollows: -

1. An Islamic system of government is fundamental2. The leadership of this system can either be headed by a single

individual (Wilayat Faqih) or by a collective body of religiousauthorities that satisfy the required criteria (leadership council of religious authorities).

3. In the case of the leadership council, the collective body maychoose one of them as the leader, or agree to make rule aconsultative process amongst them.

4. Both the individual leadership and the Leadership Council for Religious Authority are decided according to direct election or through elected deputies, to be elected for this particular purpose.

Shirazi believes in “council of religious authorities” as a special theory, but he makes its implementation conditional on the nation's approval, for elections to him are a fundamental principle that can be neither breached

nor superseded.

Evidence of Shura (Collective Leadership) and the Final Picture

The crux of Shirazi's theory of “council of religious authorities” is that itshould be the people's choice. But why? The answer is simple. Theevidence available leads him to adopt this form of leadership in Islam.

Some of the evidence he quote is:



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1. In Qur'anic Verse: “Their affairs are (solved on) consultationamongst them”; and the Verse “Consult them on the matter ”.

2. In principle Allah has not appointed a religious authority to rule.Therefore this leads to the conclusion that any one of them may beelected to rule.

3. "Imam Sadiq (PBUH) is quoted to say to companions: be aware, if a dispute breaks up amongst them, or if an argument ensues, never to put the matter to any of those corrupts. Appoint from your ranksa man who knows our halaal (what is allowed) and haraam (what isforbidden). For, I have appointed such man a judge. But never take

one another to the (judges of) a tyrant unjust ruler.”

4. “Imam Sadiq (PBUH) is quoted to say "Look for that amongst youwho has narrated and quoted our Teachings and understood our halaal and haraam, and known our laws and rules makes him anarbiter, for I have appointed him a ruler”.

Shirazi lists a total of nineteen statements of evidence, which he drawsfrom the Qur'an, the Sunnah, the consensus, and reason. He theninvestigates the points of doubt raised on the concept of Shura, and

refutes them one after another.

It seems to me that this evidential exposition of the theory of “council of religious authorities” can be easily concluded with this finale`:

“The basic component of the Islamic government is “council of religiousauthorities”; for these authorities are the representatives of the Imams(PBUT), whom are in turn the appointed rulers and successors (of the

prophet). The prophet (PBUH) says, “O god, have mercy on my

successors”; and Sadiq (PBUH) says, “For I have appointed such man aruler”. There is no justification to make some religious authority rulers,and exclude others, for that amount to a removal of the messenger'ssuccessor and the ruler appointed by the Imam. It is not right to say thatreligious authority does not understand or comprehend, or to make(similar accusations); if such a religious authority has been willinglyaccepted by the majority of the Muslim Community, he must become a

partner and a party in ruling (the Muslim State).”132

132 M. Shirazi, "How to Unite the Muslims", p18



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Elections and their Problems

Election is a very important aspect in Shirazi's theory of leadership inIslam. That is why he did not allow it to float uncontrolled. Heestablishes it on strong Islamic principles and regulates it as follows: -

1- Leadership will be effected through free elections. The head of statemust be the choice of the majority of the people, provided that he meetsthe set criteria and possesses the qualifications ordained by Allah, like

probity, justice and expertise in matters of faith, and knowledge of

worldly affairs.”133 This is the fundamental principle.

2- Such elections should not be ceremonial, but a reality in which all people participate. Rallies and telegrams of support are not elections,only voting is.3- Yet such elections are not a pre-condition to appoint the head of state,

but also to appoint the regional or local governors; “... In every regionand district of the Muslim country, people must elect a religiousauthority to be their governor. Those regional governors must submit tothe head of state, who is also elected by the majority of the

Community”134

4- It is necessary to hold general elections from time to time, say onceevery four or five years - to choose head of the state and other local

governors, all to be chosen by majority of vote.”135

Shirazi is not oblivious to criticism and point of doubt raised againstelections and Shura (Collective System of Leadership). Often sharpcriticisms of these two political concepts are made, and are alleged to benear impossible to implement.

The main criticism against elections centres on the possibility of manipulation of results.


134 ibid.

135 ibid.



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Another is that the danger of the chance of winning the elections bymajority vote depends on the candidate's financial, publicity and supportcapabilities, which may vary from one candidate to another.

It is no secret that suspicions are due to the bitter experiences of theelection process, whether in so-called free countries or third worldcountries. In the latter, elections are a scandalous farce, created by adiversity of factors, mostly cheating, forgery and lies, not only by

presidents and rulers, but even by small officials. This has bredfrustration in the heart of nations and peoples towards elections, despitethe fact that, as an idea and a sacred method in the conscience, electionsare very desirable, even a wish, a dear one, for they are logical andappeals strongly to instinct.

However, we do not wish to tackle the issue of elections in the languageof reason. For, not everything that is liable to fiddling must be rejected.Such a method would paralyse all life energies, thus opening the doorsfor the logic of death and inaptitude to dominate the whole existence.

Nor do we wish to say that such criticism and points of doubt do notexist in Muslim societies, even in very small degrees, due to generaleducation practised in these societies, which are based on piety, honesty,sincerity and courage.

It is true that all these critical issues, essential should not hamper us asthey are, but there is a very important issue alluded to by Shirazi in thisrespect, i.e., awareness and education. The spread of education andawareness amongst the public is bound to deter such shortcomings.According to him, education breeds awareness, which in turn detersfraud, forgery, fiddling, putting-off, and foul play.

Yet all of this is subject to experiment; the more experimentation, the

more mature people and nations become. Thus they can tackle the firstand second dirty tricks. Experience is the factory of nations and people.

The above-mentioned criticism is a fact, but solving it is not impossible.It may be difficult but should not be yielded to. Awareness andexperience guarantee the solving of this problem.



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Dilemma of the Majority Concept

Ayatollah Shirazi further outlines the criticism and doubts thrown at theconcept of “Majority”. These can be summered up as follows:

1. That Allah the Almighty has dispraised the majority: “If you obeyed the majority of those on Earth, they would mislead you away fromthe path of Allah”.

2. Giving the whole nation the right to vote entails equality betweenthe learned (literate) and the ignorant (illiterate).

3. The majority might be a minority. For example in an election withthree candidates the election results may turn out to be 35%, 33%and 32% respectively. To opt for the majority in this case meansthat, for the majority of thirty five, we are in fact ignoring the votesof sixty five”.

4. The rule of the majority may liquidate the minority.

Shirazi deals with all these criticisms, logically, objectively and clearly:

As for the fact that the Qur'an dispraised the majority, this is not withoutqualifications, but it applies only to times when the majority deviatefrom the straight path of Allah.

The consequent equality of the literate and illiterate is meant to be at thelevel of the general and common right. It is therefore neither unjust nor harmful.

The third criticism laid against the majority is untrue, because themajority has accepted the method. Moreover, its entitlement toconsultation and support is justifiable. In any case favouring themajority is a basic equipment of consultation stipulated in Qur'an, theSunnah (the Teaching of the Prophet), reason and consensus.



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The forth point can be refuted according to the third answer, i.e., theright of majority can not be nullified... It is after all, a matter of what is

important and what is more important. 136

Council of Religious Authority Faces Two Problems

The Council of Religious Authority has two problems to tackle andsolve:

1. The emergence of the difference of verdicts or judgement of areligious authority with that of the leadership council of religiousauthority.

2. How to bring together all the religious authority in one councilwhen they are located in various countries.

Shirazi's answer to the first problem is that “...the apparent ruling is thatthe follower should follow the verdict of the council (of religiousauthorities). This is similar to the case of the individual who needs tomake a choice between the opinion of his own religious mentor and thatof a judge - should a case of dispute be referred to the judge. It has beenconcluded that in such cases the opinion of the judge must be

adopted.”137 For this case Shirazi draws from two evidentialreferences:

1. the duty of a judge (in Islamic tradition)2. References, as in “ Nahj_ul_Balaghah”, which stipulate that “Shura

is the right of the Immigrants and Partisans if they agree on one manand value him as an leader, that would be pleasing to Allah. If oneof them deviates from the nation, whether by defaming or creatingan innovation, they should bring him back to the ranks. If he

refuses, they should fight him for his deviation from the path of the believers”138

The answer to the second problem is included in this followingstatement by Shirazi:

136M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, volume 99, "Government in Islam", case 4, p 56


138 ibid., p 272



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“... It is possible to have their representatives in one council, who willconvey their respective points of view to the council, and, in turn, report

back to them. Decisions are arrived at by majority vote.” 139

Qualifications of the Muslim Ruler

Shirazi is in agreement with most religious scholars as to thequalifications and qualities of the Muslim ruler and conditions he shouldmeet. They are:

1. Adolescence

2. Sound mind3. Faith4. Expertise5. Complete probity and justice6. Purity of birth7. Life (Alive)

8. Male gender. 140

Scholarly superiority is not the condition, which is the opinion of the

majority of scholars, like the authors of Masalik and Jawahir. As for courage, generosity and indifference to worldly pleasures... those areadditional qualities, which add points to the eligibility and priority of a

certain candidate.141

Important Remarks

1- Electing the religious authorities to power does not strip them of their

traditional post and duties (as religious authorities). 142

139 M. Shirazi, “How to Unite the Muslims”, p 20


141 ibid., p 286

142 ibid., p 271



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2- If a religious authority loses the required qualities and therefore hisfitness for the post, i.e. He comes to suffer from symptoms that

invalidate him as such, he loses his right to rule.143 3- It is necessary to hold general elections from time to time, say onceevery four or five years, to choose the head of state and regional

governors, in accordance with the vote of the majority.144 4- A head of state whether an individual or collective, must ensure thatthey consult others on various others. The advisors must have five mainqualities:

1. A sound mind2. Freedom3. Piety

4. Honesty5. Expertise in the field.

General Conclusion

If we study Ayatollah Shirazi's theory of Islam deeply, we find it centredon two essential points:

1- Collective Leadership2- Elections

He remarkably combines these two aspects, showing great considerationfor scholarship on the one hand and the rights of the nation on the other.He also shows a great consideration for the innate fundamental nature of freedom, which he deeply believes in and very strongly advocates. He infact strikes a tight dialectic relationship between freedom and justice.

Collective leadership is the ideal form of Islamic rule according toShirazi, but not through enforced oppressive imposition; only as a resultof the free choice of the nation, thus stressing the concept of elections,which necessitates freedom and justice simultaneously. He is deeplyhonest and self-consistent, and consistent with the others when he statesthat if the nation chooses one of its religious authorities as the head of state, it is free to do so, and it may not be prevented from doing so.

143 M. Shirazi, "How to Unite the Muslims", p 20




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Shirazi's theory shows a great respect for the mind and the free will; it isalso consistent with mankind's aspiration to be a party to the process of deciding his own destiny. It is no exaggeration to say that adopting this

theory, taking into consideration its above - mentioned courses, would provide the right atmosphere and climate to develop popular will andfree conscience.

A Quick Comparative Look

It is not any exaggerations if we stated here that adopting other thancollective leadership may lead to individual dictatorship, even if

inadvertently. Some of the factors, which support this view, are: -

1. The power and the authority of the as head of state, just like the powers of the Infallible Imams are great and wide.

2. There would be no consultation with others even if all the religiousscholars (Faqihs) were equal in rank and expertise.

3. The Head of State is not required, in this case, to consult or seek theadvice of prominent scholars, or the people.

4. Every Faqih who meets all the conditions has the right to power and

authority. As this leads to chaos and confusion, this power or authority should be confined to one (Faqih only) to be chosen bythe nation!

5. The head of state has authority over other Faqihs and their followers.

6. If differences of opinion emerge between the head of state andanother religious scholar, the head of state has the final word on thematters of rulings and other subjects.

7. Finally, the whole body of religious authorities should be in the gripof the head of state.

I do not wish to comment on these propositions from a juristic point of view; for, I am not a religious scholar. I would only look at the generalatmosphere, which those propositions may create and lead to.

It is undoubtedly an atmosphere abundant with force and apprehension,and it creates a state of non-compatibility between the people and theIslamic government, and spreads discord within the institutions of religious authorities.



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Statements quoted in the following passage go against all that the Shi'aschool of thought came to be known as over the past ages. “...The

prohibition of the multiplicity of religious authorities, whether the Faqihwas a ruler enjoying a free hand in government, or with restricted and

limited powers, isolated from the field of effective action. For, whatever the reason behind this distance from leadership, such a Faqih - ruler hasno right to allow multiplicity of religious authorities or

institutions....”145.

Shirazi's theory comes closer to Sadr's in this respect. Sadr advocatesindividual Faqih as head of state, but not in the sense of the frighteningexample introduced in the above paragraphs.

Sadr is of the opinion that the religious authority (Faqih) who acceptsthe challenge and stands up to this task is the effective leader. However,"he must form a council composed of a hundred of the best scholarsfrom at Shi'a religious colleges, representatives of other religiousauthorities, scholars, speakers, authors, and intellectuals. At least tenreligious scholars must be members of the council. The institution of

religious authorities will then function through the said Council.”146

In other cases, when the normal process of entrusting (someone) in

charge (of the government) does not arise, for example, when certainevents lead to the formation of an Islamic government (a sudden popular revolution, or a military coup which decides to adopt Islamic rule), aFaqih would then come to power. He should be nominated by “themajority of the members of the Council of religious authorities, andseconded by a large number of religious activists, and should includescholars, students of religious colleges, scholars' representatives,

mosque leaders, public speakers, and Islamic intellectuals.”147 Thecandidate should, however, meet the set requirement for this post, like

expertise, justice, and probity; and should have a clear Islamic line of thought, expressed in his books and publications.

145 A.M. Muhanna, "Islamic Government"

146 M.B. Sadr, "Islam Leads the Way"

147 ibid.



He should be a religious authority of the community, which he must

attain by known normal methods.148 And, “in the case of multiplicity of equally qualified religious authorities, the public must choose the headof state by general elections”

Sadr, therefore, advocates leadership of religious authority, but onlythrough elections and implementation of the consultation system. Thelatter being of high effectiveness in the administration of the state aslong as the religious authority functions through consultation system,according to Sadr.

There is some sort of concurrence in opinion as to the importance of thecommunity's opinion. In any case in his theory of Islamic rule, Shirazi

has achieved the following results:

1. Implementation of Allah's Law through the choice of the people,2. Maintaining the dignity of the religious authority institution, and

safeguarding its right to take charge of the government,3. Activating political awareness of the nation,4. Protecting the unity of the people against division and discord.

Imam Muhammad Shirazi - Aspects of the Political

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